Makah Museum facts for kids
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Established | 1979 |
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Location | Neah Bay, Washington, U.S. |
Type | Archaeological and anthropological museum |
Collection size | Artifacts from Ozette dig |
Owner | Makah Tribe |
The Makah Museum, also called the Makah Cultural and Research Center, is a special place in Neah Bay, Washington. It is on the land of the Makah Tribe. This museum helps us learn about the past. It shows amazing items found from an old Makah village. This village was partly covered by a mudslide long ago. The museum helps us understand how the Makah people lived before Europeans arrived.
Contents
Discovering the Past at Ozette
The museum holds many treasures from the Ozette Indian Village Archeological Site. This was a Makah village near Lake Ozette. Around the year 1750, a big mudslide covered part of the village. This mudslide actually helped to preserve many items. It kept them safe from decay for hundreds of years.
What Was Found at Ozette?
When archaeologists dug up the Ozette site, they found thousands of artifacts. These are objects made by people long ago. The mudslide created a special environment. It was like a time capsule. This allowed things made of wood, cloth, and plants to survive. Usually, these items would rot away.
A Glimpse into Makah Life
The discoveries at Ozette give us a clear picture of daily life. We can see how the Makah people lived. They were skilled hunters, fishers, and craftspeople. The artifacts show their tools, art, and traditions. It's like looking through a window into the past.
What You Can See at the Museum
The Makah Museum opened in 1979. It was created after the Ozette site was found. The museum was built to share these important discoveries. It also helps the Makah Tribe keep their history alive.
Exploring Makah Culture
Inside the museum, you can see many different things. There is a full-size replica of a traditional Makah long house. This shows how families lived together. You can imagine what it was like inside.
Amazing Artifacts on Display
The museum has thousands of artifacts. These include large canoes used for travel and whaling. You can also see beautiful basketry. These baskets were woven with great skill. There are also tools for whaling and fishing. These items show how the Makah people used the ocean for survival.
External Links
- Makah Cultural and Research Center Online Museum