Museum and Sea Center closing at 3:00 PM on Dec. 24 and closed Dec 25. Otherwise open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Anthropology

Check our anthropology FAQ for information about artifacts and more. Our Chumash Life pages for teachers and students provide a basic introduction to some aspects of traditional daily life.

“Hello-I'm trying to make an authentic Chumash arrow and quiver. I saw someone ask a similar question about the arrow, but I didn't see anything about the quiver. I was wondering if there...”
Steve, Santa Ana - May 17, 2024

Read the Answer

“What were the four words of the Lone Woman that established that her language was not Chumash but Cupeno instead?”
Kelly, Berkeley, CA - November 13, 2023

Read the Answer

“Is there evidence of some ancient Chumash being disabled?”
Alan Salazar, Ventura - September 24, 2023

Read the Answer

“My mother had this basket for years, and it was in some of the stuff I saved after she died.  Now I myself am in my 70's. I do not know if the basket is authentic or an imitation, although...”
Patti, Redlands, CA - September 18, 2023

Read the Answer

“I would like to know if this basket is Native American made, or is a tourist trade knock-off.  If my pictures are not adequate, or you need more information, please let me know.”
Roger, Arroyo Grande - March 15, 2023

Read the Answer

“I found this stone bowl shortly after the recent storms near Haskells Beach area.  The bowl was among several large rocks that are not normally seen.   The bowl perfectly balanc...”
Emma, Montecito - February 1, 2023

Read the Answer

“Found at at Goleta Beach. Any help in identifying its use or origin would be great. It feels almost like glass.  Thank you for your help with this inquiry!”
Angi, Goleta - June 24, 2022

Read the Answer

“Do you have any Chumash bows or arrows on display or in the backroom archives? Do you know what plants the Chumash used for their arrows? In SoCal, the Kumeyaay used reed (Phragmitis) o...”
Kevin, San Diego - June 23, 2022

Read the Answer

“Hello,  I found this fish hook and petrified fish at Hendry's Beach Is the fish hook Chumash ?”
Silvia, Santa Barbara CA - June 11, 2022

Read the Answer

“I am reading The Noontide Sun. In the book by Arlene Benson based off Stephen Bowers. He says he found two mortars. Carved from whale vertebrae. Did these make it to the SBMNH? Very curious to s...”
Joshua, Frazier Park - October 18, 2021

Read the Answer