Respecting Tradition - Honoring Change

Don't miss this exhibition of Native American artifacts recently rediscovered in our natural history collection, on view with others specially borrowed for the show. Experience the power and beauty of these precious reminders of our cultural and historical imperative to reinterpret their significance. Learn about associated traditions with Native American elders and educators now living in our midst. Call for information regarding our exciting weekend programs to include:

•    Local Tribal Leaders and Elders discussing their cultural history and the impact of change
•    Traditional Basket making, storytelling and traditional dancing
•    Educational discussion regarding Plains Indian ceremonies, Pow-Wow etiquette and schedules of upcoming ceremonial events open to the public

The concept of "Showing Our Process" will include telling the story of how the artifacts in collection were "re-discovered"; how we consulted with a private curator with a specialty in Indian Arts of the Americas, as well as private collectors to help us identify the date and place of tribal origin of these artifacts; how we brought in respected elders from Woodside and Pacific Grove to show them our discovery and ask for their blessing/assistance in mounting this exhibit and educating visitors; how we located Native Americans in our community (an Apache and a Yaqui living in Los Gatos) who are active in reviving and restoring traditional languages and practices; how local and regional Pow-Wows help integrate multi-tribal and multi-traditional gatherings, to include background notes on proper etiquette for attending Pow-Wows and schedules of upcoming ceremonial events open to the public; how we included loaned materials from private collections in the community; how a Miwuk photographer who lives in Monte Sereno showed us the splendor of some of the artifacts through his artistry and his appreciation for them; how Basketry and all artifacts are concrete expressions of the "stories" of the people who made them; how it comes to pass that small museums like ours have some wonderful things in collection donated decades ago that need to be researched and re-evaluated in light of the present.

The History Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free to the museum; a $1 donation is suggested. For more information call (408)395-7375.

April 9th, 2003 – August 5th, 2003
Public Reception, Lecture and Book Signing: Sunday, April 27th 1- 4pm
Featuring Joe Mondragon and Irene Zwierlein (Amah-Mutsun Ohlone Tribal Leaders)

Curator: Jade Bradbury





This article courtesy of http://www.fittingsguide.com.
You may freely reprint this article on your website or in
your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author
name and URL remain intact.

Submit Your Article