For thousands of years, the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People, known to archaeologists as the Hohokam, have lived in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. They have been intimately connected to the landscape transforming it for their needs including the irrigation canals and agricultural fields still visible behind the museum. The village of S'edav Va'aki was settled around AD 500, and was occupied for over 1000 years. After AD 1400, the population declined and the people relocated to smaller villages. The Akimel O’Odham, descendants of the people who lived at S'edav Va'aki, still live and thrive in the Phoenix area. The Museum and park is an extraordinary archaeological site where visitors can see a platform mound, a ballcourt, and centuries-old irrigation canals that are among the rare, remaining examples of the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People's exceptional architecture and engineering skills. The museum and site anchor's Phoenix to its prehistoric roots and is the only publicly accessible ancestral village site in the City. A 2/3 mile (1 km) outdoor trail explores the prehistoric va'aki (platform mound), full-size replicas of the houses the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People lived in, and a demonstration garden showcasing the crops grown in this area. Allow about 1 ½ hours for exploration of the site.
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4619 E Washington St, Phoenix
S'edav Va'aki Museum has 1 rating.
The S'edav Va'aki Museum, located in Phoenix, Arizona, offers visitors an informative look into the history and culture of the Hohokam people. The museum is situated within Pueblo Grande, an archaeological site featuring ancient ruins of a Hohokam village.
Visitors appreciate the well-preserved ruins and the opportunity to walk through the site, which includes a platform mound, ball court, and irrigation canals. The museum itself houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that provide context to the outdoor ruins.
Many reviewers find the museum's displays educational and engaging, offering insights into the daily life, agricultural practices, and technological innovations of the Hohokam civilization. The replica Hohokam house and hands-on exhibits are often highlighted as particularly interesting features for both adults and children.
On the positive side, the staff is frequently praised for their knowledge and friendliness. The site's accessibility and well-maintained walking trails are also mentioned favorably. Many visitors express surprise at finding such a significant archaeological site in the heart of Phoenix.
However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small and can be explored rather quickly. A few reviewers mention that some of the exhibits could benefit from updates or more interactive elements. Additionally, the outdoor portion of the site can be quite hot during summer months, which may affect the experience for some visitors.
Overall, the S'edav Va'aki Museum provides a valuable educational experience for those interested in Native American history and archaeology, though it may not offer enough content for a full day's visit.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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