The Petroglyph Theater and Native Heritage sections relate to Native American life at the turn of the 20th century. A three-part film describes the struggle for Native American retention of language, land, and culture. Outside, you'll find a Native American language station and artifacts relating to cedar, gathering, gaming, fishing, baskets, and beadwork. The Clovis Points, a collection of 13,000 year old points and scrapers, is located between the Natural Settings and Native Heritage Galleries.
Click any picture to view a larger image.
The Petroglyph Theater, the design of which is based on petroglyphs carved into basalt rock walls bordering the Columbia River, features a continually running video that delves into the customs and lifestyles of Native Americans at the turn of the 20th century. Native speakers discuss fishing along the river, basketmaking, the meaning of the Columbia River rock carvings, and the importance of oral tradition, storytelling and the bonds of family and community.
Although there are many dozens of tribes in and around Washington, each is unique in its language, location, and material culture. Hear nine different greetings in such languages as Chinook jargon, Nez Perce, and Chinook, then listen to Chief Joseph's War Chant, and the rembrances of Lillien Pullen, one of only a few fluent Quileute speakers.
The Native Heritage Gallery features artifacts relating to occupations and spiritual lives of Northwest Indians a hundred or more years ago. Each artifact tells its own story, and each story contributes to understanding the complexities and richness of Indian life.