Cocopah Museum

Often called the River People, the Cocopah Indian tribe have spent their existence living along the Colorado River. Today, they carry on their same cultural beliefs through their care of the environment and their association with politics. They were descended from the people who spoke Yuman in the area, but they have no written language of their own. The current day reservation was established in 1917 and includes 6,500-acres of land. There are about 1,000 tribal members working and living in the area. The reservation is located about 13 miles south of Yuma. The official Cocopah Museum was established in 1996 and it features a variety of exhibits and object that depict the history of the tribe. Exhibits include clothing, beadwork, pottery, tattoo design, baskets, and musical instruments. The museum also offers an archive to visitors but it is not a lending feature. Guest s are invited to browse the displays and purchase handicrafts. The beadwork, jewelry, music, and other novelty items are all for sale in the museum's gift shop. The hours of the museum are from 8 am until 5 pm Monday through Friday. Exhibits are open these days from 9 am until 4 pm. Admission is free of charge but visitors are invited to make donations.