La Brea Woman
A lot of talk has conspired over the recent press displaying my work of "The La Brea Woman." I volunteered for the Page Museum for over three years. My forensic art career grew along with my skills and experience during this time. Once I was fully trained in doing skull reconstructions I told them I'd be willing to create a skull reconstruction of "The La Brea Woman" because she obviously deserved a face rather than be left in a cabinet forgotten. This was also an opportunity to get some publicity not only for the museum, but also for myself. This new creation was much needed due to their lack of willingness to change their exhibit. Not only do they lack a decent budget, but they are not the most modern of museums so having this opportunity presented to them was fully welcomed. Initially, they even wanted me to do the reconstruction in the lab where the public could view the progress of this endeavor. Upon completion of the project, a meeting was to be held between myself, John Harris (curator) and Chris Shaw (collections manager) to determine the optimal presentation of this project. This is what I was told through a third party at the museum. Not once had the curator spoke to me. As I was working on the project, numerous coworkers including my supervisor came in expressing interest and saying how it was going to be published. Once the project was done, I emailed them several times and not only did they not respond, but they never even looked at the completed illustration.
"We all owe you a debt of gratitude. Bringing to life the remains of our ancestors gives the depth we so often seek to explain whenever we speak to institutions.
I wanted to tell you that the unpublished part of my interview, stated I believed what you said, and that your version made sense and was credible. I said the museum spokespersons were not credible and that it seemed obvious to me that their story was not credible.
Thank you again. I wish you every success in your career. A woman of your talent and integrity would be a great asset to any organization."
-- Deborah Sanchez, Co Chair of Barbareno Chumash Council
Finally, months later, I sent an email to the curator saying that I had been patient enough and would appreciate an immediate answer regarding what they prefer I do with this image. In the end, it was my personal work and I could do with it what I wanted, but at the time, I was not wanting to burn bridges. I loved working at that museum and I loved the people I worked with so burning this bridge was the last thing I wanted to do and not an easy thing to carry through with. Harris, the Curator, finally emailed me saying that they did me a favor by letting me use the skull and that I was told from the beginning that it was never to be displayed without him even having taking the time to look at it. If this was such a confidential situation and they had this decided from the beginning, there would have been some sort of paperwork involved due to the nature of the case as they do with anyone who comes in to perform just general reserach. Harris telling me this information at the very end when the whole time I was told a different story created quite the awkward situation. I responded telling him I understood if he didn't want to display the image in the museum due to their possible political fears that I recently became aware of, however in the end, there were no contracts or agreements, it was my work and I would show it to the public as I believed she should be shown.
“The SUBJECT was a joke but reality does not seem far behind it sometimes. I support your reconstruction and its display.
I was somewhat shocked by the Times article and it renewed my dislike for the white-man's elevating of everything "native american" to a status of some sacred artifact, the viewing of which by a white man would cause instant blindness due to the wrath of some tribe's ancient shaman.
As long as you didn't sign anything with the museum, promising not to show off your work, I'd venture to guess that you own the work and can do anything you desire.”
-- Barney H. L. Strycklindar Esq
This piece means a lot to the history of California. The La Brea Woman not only deserves to have a face, but if she belongs somewhere else, so be it. Let the cards fall where they may. Seeing an illustration of a 9,000 year old human from our local Los Angeles area is a very rare opportunity that the public deserves to see and learn from. It's a face being given to a piece of our local history. So I, as the artist, decided to take it into my own hands to publicize this image.
"I saw your sketch of The La Brea woman and the article in the times. I just want to say a big thank you to you for your courage in doing what you did on her behalf. The sketch is wonderful."
-- Anonymous former volunteer
Simply put, she needed to be dignified with a face, she got one and there is absolutely no reason to hide it.
I have been thanked personally by several Native Americans for having the guts to come out with this project. This should have been a win:win situation for everyone involved. The Page Museum is a spectacular museum with a lot to display and educate. Why the museum is so scared of this image is beyond me. As for Harris saying that they don't want to showcase something that is "speculation," I believe that then eliminates pretty much everything in the museum.
"By giving her a face, the artist has done more than just create a portrait, she has helped those of us whom descend from the first American’s give us a look at an ancestor. Much of our culture has been lost - from our languages to our artifacts with only a small portion available to see at museums. I wonder what purpose it would serve to repress her likeness which, in itself, is not controversial and no more speculative than the renderings of the Saber Tooth Cats presently on display."
-- Anonymous
If I was told from the beginning it was never to get out in the public, I would respectfully comply as I have done with a countless number of projects I have worked on especially working in the Law Enforcement field.
"Good for you for being honest about the Page find. It is a fine institution and needs to come clean. Let the bones fall where they may."
-- Anonymous
I think, in the end, this face represents more than mere politics, but it represents a person of whom has a lot of mystery behind her and, most importantly, a piece of our history. Rather than keeping her hidden away and eventually forgotten, I think it important to provide this rendering so we can see her more as a unique person and less as a mere specimen or piece of property that needs to be fought over. This was the respectful way of displaying the La Brea Woman without having to show her actual bones. This was the way to dignify her.
