In 1925, famed anthropologist Alfred Kroeber incorrectly claimed that the Costanoan Native peoples of California had become extinct. Consequently, the Muwekma Ohlone — largely based in the southern regions of San Francisco Bay — lost federal status even though tribal members had been enrolled with the Bureau of Indian Affairs between 1928 and 1971 and had even served in the United States military. Through the images of Tribal Photographer Kike Arnal, this exhibition (actually a combination of two smaller exhibitions) explores the traditions and vitality of the Muwekma Ohlone and their ongoing efforts to regain federal status and secure their own sovereignty.
Reclamantion comes to us from the New Museum Los Gatos which produced it in partnership with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area. It also involved collaboration with San Jose State University’s Department of Antrhopology and Mosaic America. Tribal photographer Kike Arnal captured ceremonies, events, and scenes of daily life. Additionally, he documented murals, commemorative plaques, and sculptures throughout the Bay Area that the Tribe is using to reclaim their ancestral homeland.
Major support for Reclamation was provided by Penumbra; California Arts Council, a state agency; the Farrington Historical Foundation; and SVCreates Arts Access, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara. This project was also made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. In-kind support provided by University Art. Presentation at the Grace Hudson Museum was made possible by the Sun House Guild and Museum Members.
Image: Coyote Hills. Photo by Kike Arnal
Exhibition Dates: February 8 to May 4, 2025
Exhibition Programs
All programs are included with Museum admission, unless otherwise stated. Admission is always free for Museum Members, Native Americans, and Active Duty Military.
Saturday, February 8, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Opening Reception
Explore the new Muwekma Ohlone exhibits and experience Pomo and Muwekma Ohlone dancers. Refreshments will be served.
Saturday, March 8, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Miniature Tule Mat and Rope Workshop *
Participants will learn to make their own miniature tule mat and rope. There is a fee of $15 per person.
Saturday, March 8, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Pine Needle Medallion Necklace Workshop *
Get an introduction to coiling basketry techniques as you weave a pine needle medallion and string it to make a necklace. There is a fee of $25 per person.
*Both workshops are led by cultural educators Mandy Macias (Western Mono/Maidu/Ohlone) and Monica V. Arellano (Ohlone Culture Bearer and Language Keeper), and are suitable for ages 10 and up. Scholarship opportunities are available. Program fees waived for Native Americans. Call to reserve your spot.
Thursday, March 20, 7:00 PM VIRTUAL PROGRAM
Making the Invisible Visible
In this virtual panel presentation, find out more about Muwekma Ohlone people and their fight for federal recognition, along with the origins of the Reclamation exhibitions from those who helped create them. Presenters include Monica Arellano, Alan Leventhal, Alexandra Thompson, Cristiano Colantoni, Jan English-Lueck.