WEEKENDS, OCTOBER 1-22, 2023

Archaeology Dig at the Skirball is open every Saturday and Sunday. Sift and sort to find replicas of ancient artifacts buried beneath the sand, weigh and examine your findings, and analyze clues to discover what we have in common with people who lived 3000 years ago.

On Sundays in October, to celebrate Archaeology Month, enjoy live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and special projects led by archaeologists, indigenous teaching artists, and historians. Get the chance to craft your own soapstone amulet, dye fabric using acorns, and make your own paintbrush.

October 1—Plant Fiber Paintbrushes 
Take a close look at how versatile plant fibers can be! Teaching artist Lazaro Arvizu shows examples of the Gabrielino/Tongva tradition before leading a fiber paintbrush–making activity!

October 8—Basketry
Citlali Arvizu (Gabrielino Tongva, Diegueño) will share the basket weaving tradition of the Gabrielino Tongva paired with a hands-on activity demonstrating open twined weaving technique.

October 15—Artifact Preservation
Historian Anne Collier of the University of La Verne Cultural and Natural Collections show off Californian artifacts and lead an artifact preservation activity.

October 21 (International Archaeology Day)—Acorns & Oak Galls Dye Workshop 
Join Meztli Projects as they share an Acorns & Oak Galls dye workshop that honors the fall. Reveal beautiful browns and dark purple dyes from the plant life offered to us by the land in the Tovaangar (Los Angeles). Guests will create their own hand-dyed bandana to take home.

October 22—Soapstone Amulets
Teaching artist Lazaro Arvizu will discuss and display steatite stonework of the Gabrielino/Tongva people during a lesson on Native California lifeways. Then, carve and decorate a soapstone amulet that you can wear home.

Archaeology Month programs are designed for children ages 5 and up. Programs are free with general admission.