Precious Cargo: Childbirth and Cradle Baskets In California Indian Culture

a groundbreaking exhibition on traditional and contemporary California Indian Cradle Baskets

PRECIOUS CARGO:

Childbirth and Cradle Baskets in California Indian Culture

Childbirth and California Indian cradle baskets are the topics of a groundbreaking exhibition that opens February 20th 2004 at the Marin Museum of the American Indian (MMAI) in Novato, California.

Precious Cargo: Childbirth and Cradle Baskets in California Indian Culture," is a multi-faceted project that examines traditional beliefs and practices concerning childbirth and the use of cradle baskets, both historically and contemporarily, among Pomo and Western Mono peoples, with additional material from 28 other tribal regions throughout the state.

Precious Cargo is the first major exhibition to present cradle baskets in their cultural context through direct collaboration with contemporary California Indian weavers, according to the Museums Executive Director Shirley Schaufel. As part of the project the Museum commissioned 30 California Indian weavers to create examples of cradle baskets characteristic of their region for inclusion in the exhibition.

The project documents what cradle baskets mean to contemporary California Indian peoples, reflecting their unique view of the world and understanding of the meaning of the objects on display. It provides an opportunity for mainstream audiences to learn what makes California Indian people special and what they share with the world at large," said Schaufel.

Currently scheduled for installation at 16 museums across the state over the next three years, Precious Cargo will be on display at the Museum through June 2004.

Opening events include a special two-day Symposium, The Making of Precious Cargo," on February 18th and 19th at the Embassy Suites in San Rafael. The Symposium will feature a premiere screening of Precious Cargo," a 15 minute documentary video developed as part of the project, featuring California Indian weavers and elders. Directed by PBS award-winning filmmaker Terry Straus, it is narrated by veteran actor and arts activist Peter Coyote, who will also serve as the Symposiums Master of Ceremonies.

In addition to the video, Precious Cargo also includes rare photographs, a wide array of historic objects, a 197 page publication, an interactive website, curriculum for educators and a range of public programs. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, California Council for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, the Fund for Folk Culture, Cultural Exhibition Resources Alliance, the L. J. Skaggs and Mary C. Skaggs Foundation, and the Marin Community Foundation, Precious Cargo marks a nationally recognized achievement for this local, yet regional museum.

The Museums goal is to promote an awareness and understanding of Native American history and cultures. It is the only museum in the San Francisco Bay Area devoted entirely to indigenous cultures of all regions. MMAI offers a wide range of educational programs including Camp Coyote" for children, Trade Feast" for families, a popular Lecture Series for adults, now held on the Dominican University of California campus, and year 'round interactive classes for school children that serve as an important resource for educators. Currently featured at the Museum is an exhibition that explores Dancers, Dolls and Dieties: The Kachina in Hopi Culture."

MMAI, a private non-profit organization, is open Tues.-Fri., 10-3 and on weekends 12-4. For information call 415-897-4064 or visit www.marinindian.com.

Media contact only: Karen Pierce Gonzalez Public Relations 707-792-4376