Imagine you are an archaeologist at the Archaeology Dig! Sift and sort to find replicas of ancient artifacts buried beneath the sand, weigh and examine your findings, and analyze clues to discover what we have in common with people who lived three thousand years ago.

The Archaeology Dig is open until 4:15 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. If you reserve 3:00–4:00 pm tickets to Noah’s Ark at the Skirball, please plan to visit the Dig beforehand.

Join us for Archaeology Month!

Celebrate California Archaeology Month through live demonstrations and hands-on activities on select Sundays in October.

• October 2—Plant Fiber Paintbrushes
  Join teaching artist Lazaro Arvizu as we take a close look at how versatile plant fibers can be! Examine handcrafted examples of the Gabrielino/Tongva tradition and then make your own fiber paintbrush to take home.

• October 9—Artifact Preservation
  Participate in a hands-on artifact preservation activity with anthropologist Dr. Felicia Beardsley and historian Anne Collier of the University of La Verne Cultural and Natural Collections. Take a close look at Californian artifacts from the Miocene age through the late nineteenth century.
   
• October 16—Soapstone Amulets
  Teaching artist Lazaro Arvizu will discuss and display steatite stonework of the Gabrielino/Tongva people during a lesson on Native California lifeways. Then, carve and decorate a soapstone amulet that you can wear home.
   

• October 23—Yucca Cordage Bracelets
  Teaching artist Rose Ann Hamilton will present on Cahuilla basketry—showing examples of willow granary baskets and Cahuilla coiled baskets before leading a yucca cordage activity where you can make your own bracelet.

Archaeology Month activities are designed for children ages 5 and up.  
 

“My child was fully immersed in the Archaeology Dig, enjoying all the tools provided at the site.”