Huhugam Ki Museum

zHuhugam Ki Museum was the starting point for linking past material culture with the present. To the North, on the Fort Mc Dowell Reservation are the Yavapai, the Indigenous people using and living in all the Verde River Basin. To the south are the Akimel O'odom People of the River, the Gila River. A group of Piipaash people called "Mariposa" by Spaniards, then Maricopa by English speakers lived on the Gila River beyond the Sierra Estrella. They are descended from the Yuman Tribes of the Colorado zRiver.The lands the museum is on are lands of the Akimel O'odham of the Salt River. Conflict brought Piipaash people to these lands. These groups of people speak Yuman languages. Humans have lived in the region at least 8,000 years.The "sandwich house" of wood, Sahauro ribs and Adobe houses the displays, store and experts. Outside are a ki brush structure and vaki "shade houses" built for centuries. Mesquite trees are very important in the culture. A Mesquite mill was recently added in the outdoor patio.Harvested cholla buds are processed in the patio. There are outdoor stoves for cooking flour tortillas.If you're connected to the Museum's Seasonal Cycle you will participate in meals here. This museum honors and preserves the past of the Akimel O'odham and Piipaash people of the Salt River. It is also an anchor for present day cultural practices. If you really care about this valley and want to scratch the surface of it's deep human history this is a good starting place. Plus you may get a chance to eat and dance.Arts and Crafts sold here too.

This is an excellent museum that documents the Akimel O'odham and Piipaash of the Salt River Indian Community from their point of view. There are many different artifacts including baskets and pottery. There are also informative videos including many interviews with tribe members describing their activities and lifestyle. In addition, there are descriptive timelines detailing the peoples' history and their interactions both with themselves and outsiders. The museum itself is housed in an historic building that is an interesting artifact of its own. Everyone inside is very friendly, and they are willing to provide further explanation. I would highly recommend a visit to the Huhugam Ki Museum if you're in the Phoenix area.

Small museum packed with a ton of history! Free admissions. Staff very knowledgeable and friendly! Lots of Native American gifts to buy with a big sale in September!