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Ancient Technology Day: Prehistoric & Historic
On the second Saturday of March, learn how people made jewelry, tools, and obtained food before hardware and grocery stores! This event is part of the annual Arizona Scitech Festival. Ancient Technology Day showcases different historic and prehistoric skills, crafts, and technologies. At S'edav Va'aki Museum, guests can experience hands-on activities such as adobe brick making, basketry, pottery making, atlatl (spear) throwing, crafts inspired by first peoples, and much more! Visitors of all ages and interests are encouraged to try their and at each of the technolofies and test out their new skills.
International Museum Day
Each year, on or near May 18, in honor of International Museum Day, the S'edav Va'aki Museum offers interpretative stations, kids crafts, and artifact show-and-tell where guests can see up close and touch different artifacts, throughout the day.
World Atlatl Day
On the first Saturday of June, S'edav Va'aki Museum and S.A.L.T. (Study of Ancient Lifeways and Technologies) host an atlatl accuracy and distance competition at S'edav Va'aki Museum to celebrate World Atlatl Day. The atlatl is a weapon predating the bow and arrow. It has a hook on the end to hold the dart/ spear, which increases the distance, speed and force of the dart/ spear. Atlatl demonstrations are open to the public from 9 AM to noon.
International Archaeology Day
On the third Saturday of October, S'edav Va'aki Museum celebrates International Archaeology Day. The museum offers hands-on archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests. Check out Archaeological Institute of America to learn more.
Portal to the Past Festival
In November, S'edav Va'aki Museum and Cultural Coalition host the Portal to the Past Festival as a free event here at the museum. One of the only events within the city of Phoenix that combines Indigenous history, cultural performances, archaeology, and interactive programming that is fun for the whole family. Enjoy exhibits, craft activities, demonstrations, and performances throughout the afternoon, in addition to tasty treats from local food trucks. In 2019, the inaugural Portal festival unvieled the "Portal to the Past" art installation, a winner of the New Arizona Prize Water Public Art Challenge. The piece, designed by local Arizona artisit Zarco Guerrero, is a sculptural gate that incorporates images acknowledging the importance of the complex canal systems created by the Ancestral Sonoran Desert Pople that we still use today.
Veterans Day Gourd Dance
On November 11, S'edav Va'aki Museum and the Arizona Territory Gourd Society invite the public to attend the annual Veterans Day Gourd Dance at S'edav Va'aki Museum. The event is always held on the Veterans Day holiday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us to honor the memory of all Veterans who served our nation. Gourd Dancing starts at 11:30 a.m. [Photo taken 2013]
S'edav Va'aki Museum Foundation Indian Market
On the second weekend of December each year, the S'edav Va'aki Museum Foundation presents an Indian Market. This Two-day event at the Museum features over 100 top Native American artists vending items such as paintings, sculptures, jewelry, baskets and more. The Ki:him (village) hosts hands-on learning in beading, gourd art, weaving, pottery, hoop dancing, and other activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can also enjoy music, dance performances, the Young Artist Market and traditional Native American Foods. For additional information on each year's event visit the S'edav Va'aki Museum Foundation website..
