Lelooska Museum facts for kids
Carved sculpture by Lelooska in Denver, Colorado
|
|
| Established | 1977 |
|---|---|
| Location | 165 Merwin Village Road Ariel, Cowlitz County, Washington |
| Type | Native American cultural |
| Founder | Lelooska, Don Morse Smith |
| Owner | Lelooska Foundation |
The Lelooska Foundation and Cultural Center is a special museum in Ariel, Washington. It teaches visitors about the rich cultures and histories of the Kwakwaka'wakw people and other Indigenous groups. The museum is run by the Lelooska Foundation, which started in 1977. It is a nonprofit organization, meaning it uses its money to help its mission, not to make a profit. About nine people work there.
What Can You See at Lelooska?
The museum has many interesting items. You can see beautiful baskets, special leather bags called parfleches, and corn husk bags. There are also dolls, spoons, and cradles. You might find moccasins, tomahawks, and pipes with their bags. Dresses and a large 15-foot birchbark canoe are also on display. They even have a copy of an old fur trade store.
Experience Living History
The Lelooska Foundation offers exciting 'living history' programs. These programs include performances that bring history to life. You can also take classes to learn woodcarving and other Native art forms. The center also shows demonstrations of traditional dance and basket weaving.
Who Was Lelooska?
The foundation is named after a special artist, Don Morse Smith, known as Lelooska. He was an artist with Cherokee heritage. Lelooska was famous for carving sculptures and totem poles. One of his totem poles is at the Christchurch International Airport in New Zealand. Another one can be seen at the Oregon Zoo. Elders from the Nez Perce tribe gave him the name Lelooska. They gave him this name because they really liked a carving he made of Chief Joseph.
