Our Permanent Exhibit
A Legacy of Culture, Innovation, and Resilience
Our Permanent Exhibit offers a rich exploration of the Chumash way of life, from the deep connection to the land and sea to the remarkable technological innovations and enduring cultural heritage.
This exhibit invites visitors to experience the profound legacy of the Chumash people, their resilience and ingenuity which have prevailed for millennia.
Maria Solares:
Preserving the Chumash Culture One Story at a Time
Maria Solares, beloved ancestor, stands as a pivotal figure in preserving the rich heritage of the Chumash people.
Without her valuable contribution, a large portion of the cultural information on the Chumash would have been lost—including our language.
Visitors will learn about her incredible contributions, including the hundreds of narratives in the Samala language she preserved.
Discover how the Chumash people viewed the world, their connection to the land, and the timeless lessons Maria Solares passed down through generations.
The Land Has a Voice
Our Ancestors shaped—and were shaped by—our homelands. We share an unbreakable bond with the land, a relationship that shaped our culture, rituals, and way of life for millennia.
Walk through a Chumash village, understand traditional food practices, and see how daily life was interwoven with spiritual beliefs.
Visitors will have an opportunity to explore this profound connection through interactive displays and vivid storytelling.
Feats of Technology:
The Ingenuity of the Chumash People
Chumash technology is a testament to our culture’s resourcefulness and ingenuity. This exhibit showcases everyday items crafted from natural materials that were essential for survival and ceremonial purposes.
Discover how the Chumash created arrowheads, fishhooks, baskets, and tools from the resources available in their environment. Each artifact tells a story of knowledge passed down through generations.
Hunting the Land
Our Ancestors were skilled hunters who passed down specialized knowledge and technology from one generation to the next. They hunted deer, rabbits, quail, waterfowl such as ducks, and fished for steelhead trout and more. Their ingenuity in creating and using hunting tools like bows, arrows, box traps, and slings was crucial for providing sustenance for their families.
Chumash Basketry:
Treasured Masterpieces
From Cradleboard to the Grave Pole, Chumash baskets were integral to everyday life and sacred ceremonies. In earlier times, baskets played essential roles in all aspects of Chumash life, from gathering, preparing, storing, and serving food and water to carrying babies and honoring our Ancestors. Today, these baskets are treasured masterpieces found in museums and private collections across at least ten countries worldwide.
Cultural Revitalization:
Preserving the Chumash Spirit
This part of our exhibit showcases the stories of resilience and the ongoing efforts to reconnect with our ancestral roots.
Explore how our Culture Department is creating a living bridge between past and present by organizing multiple programs throughout the year, such as traditional basket weaving classes, culture days, and our Winter Ceremony.
Language Reawakening – The Samala language, once at risk of being forgotten, is now being revitalized through community programs and education.
Honoring Our Chumash Heritage
“Our culture is deeply rooted within the souls of every tribal member and lives on within our hearts.
Despite outside forces threatening our way of life, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians maintained our connection to our ancestors and to our core identity of being Chumash.”
Nakia Zavalla,
Museum Board Vice Chair
Together, We Honor the Chumash Legacy
Join us in celebrating the resilience and strength of the Chumash people as we continue to honor our heritage and pass it on to future generations.
Return of the Condor
The condor that will be on display was the last female in the wild in 1986. To save her species from extinction, she was taken into captivity to become part of the captive breeding program and given the designation AC8 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She was one of 27 birds that founded today’s population.
Be the first to know about upcoming programs and events.
© 2025 Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center.
Web Design by Phi.
