
Archaeology Day of the Dead
November 1 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sponsored by: AIA-San Joaquin Valley Society, Fresno Chaffee Zoo
AIA Society: San Joaquin Valley

The activities in this event will consist of the following:
1. Archaeological Outreach at the Zoo
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo will host a major celebration for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on Sunday, November 1st, and has invited the Society to participate. Recognizing the high attendance anticipated for this event, the Society will host an educational table staffed by our board members. This presence will allow us to engage with the public, promote the importance of archaeology and anthropological studies, distribute educational materials, and recruit new members. Archaeology aligns perfectly with the thematic essence of Día de los Muertos; it serves as a profound reminder that death is not a final erasure, but rather an entry point for studying the vibrant cultures, civilizations, and enduring lessons left behind by past generations.
2. Guided Tour of the Kingdoms of Asia Exhibit
The Society will host an in-person, guided tour of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s newly opened Kingdoms of Asia exhibit. This immersive installation features monumental replicas of ancient Khmer architectural marvels and sacred sites, including the Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, and Kbal Sapean. The original 13th-century Cambodian temples are globally renowned, highly studied by archaeologists and art historians, and have served as iconic filming locations for several Western movies. This specialized tour will delve deeply into the historical significance of these structures, decoding their rich symbolic elements and explaining their roles in ancient Southeast Asian cultures.

