In the heart of Sacramento, next to huge historical museums and parks, there is a cozy garden with a hut, reminding of the times when the Europeans have not explored the New World. Small in size, the Museum of the History of Native American Tribes is worth attention. People tell you how to make soup from acorns, tableware, soap, and jewelry. They show you canoes, hunting tools, toys, and sacred wooden figures. Just in an hour, you discover an unknown world of California Natives.

In the State Museum of the History of Native American Tribes, guides tell you about three main aspects of the tribes’ lives: nature, spirit, and family. Indigenous peoples have lived in California for several thousand years. The population of these places was one of the biggest and diverse in the Western Hemisphere. It consisted of 150 tribal groups speaking 64 different languages. Before the Europeans, the local population was about 500,000 people, according to experts.

All exhibits and photographs in the museum show respect to people living here many thousands of years ago and continue living in California communities.

The museum exhibits traditional baskets (including the smallest in the world), mahogany canoes, ceremonial regalia, hunting, and fishing tools. You also need to pay attention to decorations, toys, household items, and even combs of beauties. And embroidery lovers can enjoy works of needlewomen.

Many people donated personal photos of their relatives for the exhibition. Here is a wall with pictures related to a celebration of California elders.

An exhibition depicting Isha's life is worth attention. This is the story of the last person of the Yahi tribe. It shows how the culture has changed when strangers came to these lands.

The practical area also attracts a lot. Visitors have an opportunity to use Indian tools: pump drill, used for making holes in beads, mortar and pestle, used to grind down acorns. Curious people learn how to use these plants to make dishes, soap, toys, and decorations.

If you want to take a part of this world with you, come to the store located inside the museum. Here you can buy local jewelry, pumpkins, handmade dolls, baskets, soapstone carvings, and thematic books.