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What did the Chumash do at the Santa Barbara Mission?
The Spanish originally established the Santa Barbara Mission to make contact with the Chumash people—California natives who lived along the coast between Malibu and San Luis Obispo. The Chumash were skilled artisans, hunters, gatherers, and seafarers, but had no formal agricultural system.
Did the Chumash build the Santa Barbara Mission?
The Mission’s lavandería was constructed by the Chumash Indians around 1806. Rose garden in Mission Park. Mission Santa Barbara cemetery. Over 4000 Chumash Indians were buried here.
What were the Chumash skilled at?
The Chumash were skilled artisans: they made a variety of tools out of wood, whalebone, and other materials, fashioned vessels of soapstone, and produced some of the most complex basketry in native North America. The Chumash were also purveyors of clamshell-bead currency for southern California.
What are some fun facts about the Chumash tribe?
They are one of the oldest tribes in North America. Some bones of Chumash ancestors have been found to be more than 13,000 years old. The name Chumash means “shell bead money maker.” The Chumash made delicate shell bead money (‘alchum) that they used for trade with other tribes.
What were the Chumash beliefs?
The Chumash believed in supernatural gods and they believed that humans could influence those gods. The most important time of the year for the Chumash was right before the winter solstice. They believed that this was the time when the Sun might not choose to come back to the Earth.
What is the Santa Barbara Mission known for?
With its grand double bell towers, lush gardens and the majestic San Ynez mountains as a backdrop, the Mission is one of the city’s most picturesque landmarks. Known as “Queen of the Missions” for its exceptional beauty, the Santa Barbara Mission was founded by the Spanish Franciscans in 1786.
What is Santa Barbara Mission known for?
What happened to the Chumash tribe when the Europeans arrived?
The 1700s-1800s: A People Torn Apart The Chumash population was all but decimated, due largely to the introduction of European diseases. By 1831, the number of mission-registered Chumash numbered only 2,788, down from pre-Spanish population estimates of 22,000.
What did Chumash kids?
Many Chumash children like to go hunting and fishing with their fathers. In the past, Indian kids had more chores and less time to play in their daily lives, just like colonial children. But they did have dolls, toys, and games to play. Chumash kids also enjoyed swimming on the beaches.
How did the Chumash adapt to their environment?
It offered easy access to varied resources and had a mild climate which facilitated all-year gathering. The sea and beach furnished marine life and shellfish which were the most important food sources, and from the river fresh water and food were obtained.
Why did the Chumash live in California?
The Chumash resided between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the California coasts where a bounty of resources could be found.