The Chumash Material Culture Mobile Exhibit is an immersive, educational experience designed for schools, cultural events, and festivals. This exhibit brings Chumash maritime culture and history to life through a multi-sensory environment, housed within a 12x12 tent canopy designed to resemble a traditional Chumash “Ap” hut, with tule mat walls creating an authentic and inviting space. This program is made possible through the support of the California Energy Commission and the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, whose commitment to Indigenous cultural preservation and education helps bring this exhibit to diverse communities across California. The exhibit will feature a diverse range of traditional and contemporary cultural content, including: ​​Authentic Chumash Material Culture Items – A curated display of tools, ceremonial objects, and trade goods crafted from natural materials found across the Chumash homelands, from the high chaparrals to the coast. Items may include plant fibers, tule, yucca, pine nuts, manzanita berries, serpentine stone, sandstone, and chert, among others. Interactive & Tactile Engagement – Visitors will have the opportunity to handle select materials, gaining a hands-on understanding of Chumash craftsmanship, resource use, and environmental knowledge. Rich Media Presentations – A combination of digital and print displays showcasing Chumash history, maritime traditions, and material culture through video storytelling, infographics, and historical documentation. Live Demonstrations & Artist Talks – When available, Chumash artists and cultural practitioners will provide live demonstrations of traditional skills such as cordage from plant fiber, medicinal plant knowledge and storytelling. Trade & Commerce in Chumash Society – A focus on the historical and contemporary trade networks of the Chumash, highlighting the economic, social, and spiritual significance of material culture in both the past and present. ​Project Deliverables To ensure the authenticity and cultural integrity of the exhibit, the project will involve: Identification, Collection & Documentation – Locating and gathering selected material culture items according to specific seasonal harvest periods. Sustainable & Pollution-Free Sourcing – Prioritizing the collection of Native, pollution-free medicinal plants and grasses for basket-making and weaving to maintain the highest level of cultural and ecological integrity. Environmental & Access Challenges – Documenting any inability to obtain traditional materials due to climate change, habitat loss, urbanization, and wetland destruction, which continue to reduce accessible gathering sites. Handcrafted Museum-Quality Cultural Items – Designing and crafting high-quality baskets, tule mats, bowls, and tools for display, ensuring that each piece reflects the excellence of Chumash artisanship. Educational & Visual Presentation – Creating a comprehensive visual presentation on the material culture production process, including discussions on environmental issues, climate change, land loss, restricted access to gathering sites, and the role of private property in limiting cultural stewardship. This traveling exhibit not only educates but also fosters cultural continuity, showcasing how Chumash artists continue to create, trade, and share their work despite modern challenges. By engaging with this exhibit, audiences gain a deeper appreciation of Chumash heritage and the ongoing fight for cultural and environmental preservation.