Another Musuem mystery. Was Turtle Bay’s copy of Little Mendocino painted by Grace Hudson herself? Or is it one of many dozens of copies made by other artists? “The Game is Afoot”, as another famous Holmes would say.
This miniature pendant replica represents the type and styling of gold objects that characterize the Tolima culture of central Colombia. A reproduction that accurately depicts a creation of inspiration from supernatural visions and nature. Often worn as a pendant, this piece captured an embellishing portrayal of a shaman being in an animal spirit form.
These mystery objects were on fire during February, overwhelmingly winning this month’s slot for Artifact of the Month! Some folks may have guessed that these little, metal boxes were lighters, which is not too far off since they are indeed associated with making fire. However, these diverse artifacts are all various types of match safes.
Skunks are known for their stinky odor, but did you know that they only spray if they think their life is in danger? When skunks are afraid, they stomp their feet, backup, and scrape the ground to warn predators that they mean business. They can spray their pungent odor up to 14 feet in a stream or a mist.
Vultures are the single most important scavengers in the world. Turkey vultures are able to consume so many different types of viruses and bacterias that would normally kill other animals. Things like salmonella, anthrax, and even botulism. Because of this incredible immune system, vultures are really important with keeping us healthy.
This “mystery object” received an overwhelming number of votes in our visitor poll! A mystery no more, this head rest was accessioned into the Turtle Bay museum collection in 1978 with the description, “head rest from the Turkana culture of Northwestern Kenya; used to protect hairdos while sleeping and to keep bugs from getting into hair; carried with a sash worn around the waist and is sometimes used as a stool.” So, now you know!
Community leaders and Turtle Bay supporters gathered on October 23, 2018 for a special dedication ceremony, recognizing the opening of the Senator Maurice and Marianne Johannessen Animal Recovery Center, a new multi-use building that allows Turtle Bay to give the best possible care to its animal ambassadors.
We all jumped back into our cars and rushed into the Park to start our evacuation protocols. Looking back now, it is so unreal. As we were running around packing up animals, I couldn’t believe how well each mammal kenneled when we asked. With our adrenaline pumping, they surely felt that something was wrong.
Where some people see junk, others see potential. Local artists converge for this exhibition of recycled, upcycled, and just plain rescued art! This group-curated pop-up features work by established and emerging artists working in a wide variety of media for a limited time, now through August 3, 2018 in the East End of the Museum at Turtle Bay in Redding, CA.
The Turtle Bay Museum Collection consists of over 35,000 historical, ethnographic, and archaeological artifacts and artworks. It is amalgam of the collections of the former Redding Museum of Art and History and The Forest Museum and includes objects acquired after the museums merged into Turtle Bay. Today, Turtle Bay is not actively collecting due to lack of funding, space, and personnel.
Thanks to a generous donation at our 2018 auction, the Education & Programs Department was able to put on an additional, fourth week of summer camp named “Inventor’s Workshop”! During this week of Discovery Camp, we welcomed 16 children between the ages of 7-12 to partake in a wide range of activities that your donations made possible. We were also able to offer two campers full scholarships during this week.
