The Cahuilla Continuum was an exhibit at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum in Riverside, California, authored and curated by Sean C. Milanovich. The exhibit told the story of the Cahuilla from creation to the present day. One of the displays in the exhibit shows modern Cahuilla ceremonial clothing and regalia.
According to the display:
“Men who are Cahuilla bird singers today commonly wear what are referred to as ‘ribbon shirts.’ These shirts are not necessarily distinctive to Cahuilla culture in particular. A lot of men from North American tribes wear ribbon shirts as part of their traditional practice.”
According to the Museum display:
“The outfits worn by Cahuilla bird dancers today are commonly referred to as ‘ribbon dresses’ or ‘bird dresses.’ The dresses can be perceived as homage to the clothing worn by female ancestors who lived during the post-European contact era in the mid to late 1800s.”
Indians 101
Indians 101 is a series exploring American Indian cultures, arts, histories, and current concerns. More about California Indians from this series:
Indians 101: Cahuilla Life (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Feathered Pomo Baskets (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Between Two Worlds in California (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: The Soboba Indian Reservation
Indians 101: Southern California Indian Clothing (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: The Luiseno Village
Indians 101: Cahuilla Pottery (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Southern California Games and Gaming (Photo Diary)