According to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians legend has it that twin brothers Mukat and Temayawet were created through the beauty of song and a divine power. From these two brothers came tobacco and the pipe, the six directions and the earth. They used the various colors of the earth's clay to create the people: yellow, black, white and red. Shortly thereafter, the brothers had a dispute over whose creations were the best. As they argued the people started to leave, yet Mukat held onto the red people, and they became the Cahuilla tribe.
Museum Exhibitions
Aside from extravagant golf courses, desert adventures and fancy resort spas is the intriguing story of the street names given by the Cahuilla Indians. This window into the versatile history of Palm Springs at the Crossroads & Intersections exhibition offers the astounding cultural tales told merely from street names.
Another exhibition provides a glimpse of baskets and their influence on the Cahuilla culture. If Baskets Could Talk explores the delicate design techniques used by the Cahuilla and how these baskets determine social relationships amongst the tribe.
Collections
The collections of Agua Caliente Cultural Museum showcase artifacts from Cahuilla Indians, as well as from Native Americans throughout the world. Fascinating items include baskets, pipes, pots, shells beads, various cooking utensils and even tools used for gardening and other types of yard work. One of the most extensive collections is the Tahquitz Canyon Archeological Collection, containing more than 50,000 items from some of California's oldest villages. Also, to maintain the essence of current cultures, there is modern Cahuilla artwork added to the museum from year to year.
For visitors of all ages, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of Palm Springs and the culture, lifestyle and traditions of its original ancestors - the Cahuilla Indians.
