La Quinta Cove

Noted geologist/anthropologist/paleontologist, Harry Quinn, spoke with Nature Walk participants on Saturday regarding the history of the Cahuilla.  In this clip, he discusses early measles and small pox epidemics that decimated the local tribes.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS4OhX_IVm4

Next Nature Walk: January 9th for kids: “Rocks, Quakes and How to Build a Mountain” and for adults, January 16 “Written in Rock: Geology of La Quinta”

Tracy Albrect, Interpretive Specialist for the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument brought to the Museum samples of many plants  that were important to the Cahuilla tribes.  But the mesquite topped them all.  Take a look http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHK_Y6S2Yjw

The Washington fan palm was the featured topic at a recent lecture/demonstration at the Museum.  Alice Kotzen told how the Cahuilla tribe utilized the native palm for food, medicine, and fibers for clothing, baskets, and shelter.  Those present had a lesson in weaving the fronds and, in this clip, how to make a child’s toy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DdDWSOMJaM

Four traditional “Bird Singers” presented a program of Cahuilla Native American songs at the Museum last Friday.  Listen to a sampling of their many songs (you can’t seem them, but you can hear). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJP9Yfyp1GM

Now hear an interview with Mike Morales, of  the Torres Martinez tribe in Thermal, who describes the music and introduces his group.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jCoF9YEsVM

The Ramona Pageant?  Here’s the story!  The great-grandson of George Wharton James tells us of the amazing story of this man’s life, during which he lived with and photographed Native Americans of many tribes, including our very own Cahuillas.  Listen, then come down and see these interesting items.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf-xKqsDlug   Please excuse the background noise: it was a lively event.

David Salk, an annual exhibitor of ceramics at La Quinta Arts Festival, displays not only his clay baskets, but also 45 of his beautifully preserved antique Cahuilla baskets. These date from 1850 - 1920, open to the public for the very first time.  Not to be missed.  Listen to David’s overview:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m26ae30Y5s