Indian Artifacts to Be Discussed at Soka

Art and artifacts from the Chumash, who thrived in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains more than a century ago, will be discussed at a Soka University lecture tonight.

Kent Christensen, an expert in Chumash history and culture, will describe and demonstrate the lifestyle and artwork of the native residents of the Conejo Valley, using slides and handmade replicas of objects found in the region.

Some items to be displayed include a ceremonial headdress, deer antler flaking tools, deer hoof and clamshell rattles and elderberry clapper sticks.

Christensen’s replicas have been exhibited in museums, including those in Ventura, Ojai and Thousand Oaks, at the Oakbrook Park Chumash Interpretive Center.

The free lecture, sponsored by the Botanical Research Center nursery, is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the university, 26800 W. Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.

For reservations, call (818) 878-3763.