Natives Section 🪘(Museum of Us!) San Diego, CA
The “how to” in this area is what caught my attention and made me want to go home and try it out! Knowing the materials and the process makes it seem simpler in task. (The beauty is in the process)
I was a little underwhelmed with this section when it came to information on the items themselves.
A lot of items in or around the native areas in the museum referenced “unknown” still cool pieces non the less but I’d love to know more about each item they had displayed/discovered.
Again this museum is gorgeous and such a spectacle you must check out for yourself!
This Museum was such an experience!
From the amazing design of the are to the beautiful areas to walk around! We spent the whole day just exploring around! 🌳
Within the museum there were many exhibits ranging from:
A human history and cultures showing how each race and ethnicity were seen and how much we are truly alike and how racism came to be. There is an entire collective of an ongoing project for years I highly recommend you check out. It was heavy getting through all the information (as a white woman myself it definitely shows how our system has failed so many)
There was a beautiful Egypt section that went into the history and beautiful items ranging from ca. 330-650 CE/Egypt to so many unknown to still uncover!! I truly enjoyed looking at the Egyptian collection and the items they held to create them! I’ll make another post showing more of what was seen! (Look for the Egypt post! 🕋)
One thing in this museum that caught my attention was the ongoing Post Secret Project!
People get to mail in all their secrets to a collective and they are part of this beautiful art installation project where you can go through and read many submissions from light to dark scenarios. (There will be another post of this as well with more information as I found it entirely consuming and even added my own letter!) Look for the Post Secret post! 🤫
Stepping into the Museum of Us in San Diego, I wasn't just looking for exhibits; I was hoping for an experience that would truly connect me with human history and diverse cultures. And let me tell you, it delivered! While the original article touched on the highlights, I wanted to share a deeper dive, especially into the incredible Indigenous Cultures section, which is a key part of the 'Museum of Us Historic Digs Native edition'. It's more than just seeing artifacts; it's about understanding the ingenious 'how-to' behind ancient traditions. One of the areas that truly captivated me was the detailed exhibit on 'MAKING POTTERY'. It wasn't just a display of finished pieces; it walked you through the actual steps of traditional pottery making. Seeing the historical photos and tools like the paddle and anvils really brought the process to life. You could almost feel the clay in your hands, imagining how ancient artisans crafted vessels. Learning about specific types like Lower Colorado Buff Ware and Tizon Brown Ware added so much context to the beautiful pottery vessels I saw, including those with stylized human faces and intricate painted designs. It makes you realize that what looks like a simple pot is actually a testament to incredible skill and cultural knowledge. Equally fascinating was the 'ROOTED IN NATURE' exhibit focusing on Kumeyaay basket making. Before visiting, I hadn't truly grasped the artistry involved. The exhibit beautifully explained the materials used – Deer Grass, Three-leaf Sumac, and Juncus – and showcased examples of intricate baskets. It made me appreciate the deep connection the Kumeyaay people had, and still have, with their natural environment. It's a craft passed down through generations, transforming natural resources into objects of immense beauty and utility. I also found the model of an 'ewaa', a traditional Kumeyaay home, incredibly insightful. It offers a tangible representation of how communities lived, using willow framework and native plant materials. It helps to visualize daily life and provides a personal connection to the history of this region. While some of the ancient pieces, like the offering bowl from Lago Amatitlan, Guatemala, or the arrows from Chiapas, Mexico, left me wanting more detailed information about their specific stories, their sheer presence was awe-inspiring. You can almost feel the history emanating from these fragmented pottery pieces and ancient tools. It's a reminder that even when the full narrative isn't immediately available, the artifacts themselves speak volumes about human ingenuity and cultural heritage across different eras and geographies. My advice for anyone visiting the Museum of Us is to really take your time in these sections. Look closely at the details on every piece, from the ancient pottery cup to the worn offering bowl. Even without extensive labels on every single artifact, their artistry and historical significance are profound. This museum truly encourages you to ponder, connect, and appreciate the rich tapestry of human history.