Mosaics of the Mojave: Life, Culture, and Ecology in the Mojave Desert is an immersive exhibit now open at the Victor Valley Museum.
The project began five years ago on a much smaller scale, but thanks to a grant from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, visitors will be treated to a highly interactive experience. This exhibit features a walk-through cave dwelling, close encounters with desert creatures, and the opportunity for visitors to design their own rock art. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians were impactful collaborators in the development of the exhibit.
Laurena Boden, San Manuel Business Committee Member shared, “As an indigenous people, we remain connected to our ancestors, building on their strength and contributions made into generations ahead. It is our responsibility to steward our Serrano ancestral territory and rich history it holds. Part of that stewardship includes ensuring that history and artifacts are not only preserved but are accurately represented. We are extremely excited that this exhibit will display our Yuhaaviatam culture and history. And our story is shared from one generation to the next.”
Interim Chief Deputy and Curator of Anthropology, Tamara Serrao-Leiva expressed, “A few weeks ago, I was eager to remove the Sacred Earth exhibit before the opening of Mosaics of the Mojave. But now that I am standing here, I am so glad that I didn’t. What an incredible difference a few years make. A few years of collaboration, a few years of building trust, and a few years of understanding. Mosaics of the Mojave was conceptualized by both the Tribe and Museum together and we look forward to future collaborations.”
The Victor Valley Museum is located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military/senior), $7 (student), and $5 (children ages 6 to 12). Children 5 & under and Museum members are free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov.