Explore This Section
California Indians
Presenting the histories & legacies of over 100 of the state’s Native tribes
Discover the Chipped Stone Bear, California’s official prehistoric artifact
Learn about tribes from different California regions and how they lived
Made by Linda Aguilar.
Courtesy California Academy of Sciences
Chipped Stone Bear
CALIFORNIA INDIANS:
The First People
Initially developed under the direction of a Native Advisory Council in 2011, “California Indians: The First People” presents the unique contributions of California’s Native Peoples in their own voice. Above all, it underscores that despite centuries of oppression, California Indians remain vital, nurturing their traditions while contributing to the modern state.
Through artifacts, original art, oral histories and an interactive language kiosk, the exhibit chronicles the histories and cultural legacies of over 100 tribes. Highlights include the Chipped Stone Bear, California’s official prehistoric artifact; baskets woven by Native artists; a fur cape owned by Ishi; and more.
Lucy Telles, Paiute/Miwok basketweaver and culture-bearer
Frank Manriquez, Tongva/Ajachmem artist, writer and activist
Exhibit Artifacts & Oral Histories
California’s famous Chipped Stone Bear, the Official California State Prehistoric Artifact
