Ba’Muma (“Lincoln”) “Rising Together”
Exhibit and Events July 11 – August 25, 2024

Paintings • Drawings • Photos • Regalia

Ba’Muma means “Lincoln” in the Nisenan language. “Ba” means “salt,” and “Muma” means “lake.” Lincoln means “Salt lake,” named after a natural historic salt lake here in Lincoln. The Nisenan were the first people here in this region, long before Western settlers arrived. Today there is only one documented individual who speaks the Nisenan language. Alan Wallace, one of the Nisenan elders, is working to change that through art. 

July 11, 5-7 pm

The Ba’Muma / Lincoln Exhibit “Rising Together”: A Nisenan family, Ancestral Memory and Contemporary Expressions exhibit opens with a reception from 5 – 7 pm. A special presentation will be made at 5:30 by Brian Wallace and Sadie Hampshire about the family history and caretaking the natural environment.

“Because we inherited the traditional cultural wisdom of Lizzie Enos we have a responsibility to share it through education on caring for the natural environment.” Brian & Sadie Wallace

The lineal descendants of the legendary Nisenan elder Lizzie Enos have gathered together in this exhibit historical photos, maps, drawings, photos, paintings and crafts. This exhibit entitled “Rising Together” is a rare opportunity to experience a traditional world view of Placer County’s first cultural and contemporary expression. Along with the exhibit will be special events including the following:

July 13, 1-2:30 pm

Reviving the Nisenan Language Alan Wallace is the family member who studies, encourages and educates concerning the Nisenan language. He has recently returned from presenting at an international indigenous language conference. “Nisenan is Placer County’s first language. Language is the key element in developing a positive relationship in both the natural environment and culture” says Wallace. Join us on July 13^th for a family discussion about reviving the Nisenan language.

August 8, 5 – 7 pm

August Reception: Includes a special presentation at 5:30 by Brian Wallace and Sadie Hampshire about the family history and caretaking the natural environment.

CANCELLED — August 10, 1 – 2:30 pm

Fire and Acorns: The younger descendants honor the tradition of Lizzie Enos by sharing their experiences in prescribed cultural burning and the knowledge of fire along with the gift of acorns.

August 24, 10 am – noon and 12:30 – 2:30 pm

Colors of the Earth: Closing the exhibit will be a workshop celebration. Learn how to make and use natural mineral earth colors and tools from the earth, plus participate in a collaborative painting panel using the paints & tools you made. Workshop is led by Stan Padilla and Chuck Kritzen of Willow Deer Education. “Color is a language within art and mineral colors speak the language of the earth” says Stan Padilla. Join us for these wonderful opportunities to learn about Lincoln’s rich cultural history, and to see the Nisenan Art Exhibit.