A small but informative exhibit on Basque tree carvings and Basques in Kern County at Cal State Bakersfield is well worth a visit. It is located on the second floor of the Stiern Library on the university campus.
The Lonesome Trail: Arboglyphs and Basque Sheepherders in the Far West is the title of the exhibit and a video informs viewers about the arboglyphs Basque sheepherders carved in aspen groves where they herded sheep. A virtual tour of the exhibit is available. Currently, Cal State Bakersfield, University of Nevada Reno and Boise State University are working together on an Arboglyph Collaboration that aims to identify many of the places where these carvings are located. Click here for more stories about tree carvings.
The exhibit also includes posters, paintings and artifacts that provide a great deal of historical information about the Basques in Bakersfield and the sheepherder life. The exhibit was curated by Cal State Bakersfield students.
The exhibit in the Historical Research Center is also accompanied by the Basques in California traveling exhibit. The exhibit’s series of panels about Basque contributions to California through the years line the library outside the exhibit room.
The library is open to the public and the exhibit room is open Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday 8 am. to 5 p.m.
To park at the university, you must obtain a pass from a parking kiosk.
Historical Research Center
Walter W. Stierns Library
Cal State Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311
