ABSTRACT
The many varied fancy baskets, feather belts, blankets, hairpins, necklaces, and other treasures in the Russian collections comprise a unique and priceless ethnographic statement about Native California peoples. The face of California changed rapidly after Voznesenskii's departure, particularly after the Gold Rush, and by the time such American ethnographers as Stewart Culin, S. A. Barrett, or J. W. Hudson became active, much of the traditional way of life had passed. That realization could be particularly meaningful to the living descendants of the Native Californians who originally traded and exchanged these objects with the Russians. Rescuing such objects from relative obscurity will hopefully promote a better appreciation and a deeper understanding of Native California arts; it should also foster a greater sense of pride and self-respect in the Native American community. In light of the various points raised above, the scientific value of the Russian collections seems obvious.
