California's Chumash Indians

by Lynne McCall, Pam Hoeft (Illustrator), Ann Powell (Illustrator)

The Chumash people have lived for centuries along the California coast between Malibu and San Luis Obispo. They were on hand to greet Cabrillo in 1542 and Gaspar de Portola in 1769. They coexisted with the Spanish communities of the Southern California Missions. And there are still about three thousand people of Chumash ancestry living in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Here, for the layman and the tourist, is a concise, entertaining, and informative view of a noble and important their history, their way of life, their arts, their beliefs and legends

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I mentioned in a previous review, it's difficult to find good scholarly sources specifically on the Chumash. This is not a sophisticated text, but it's also not as basic as many of the children's history books available. In other words, it's not a highly detailed account of Chumash history, but it does provide a good, simple overview of the general history of the Chumash.

[Ian Martyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel as though this book is a strong introduction to the Chumash as a whole. Sure, the book is a bit dated, and that really points to the need for more research to be done into the Chumash as a group, but this book serves its purpose well. I get the idea that people reading this book really want something in-depth, but a book that is only 70 pages long that is sold at a museum for a few dollars is not meant to go into many details. I like that all of the information is easily accessible and that there is an extensive list of references at the back so you can really dive into topics that you want to study more. I also appreciate the frequent pictures and diagrams. If you're interested in the Chumash at all, this is a really great place to start.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compiled in 1988 by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, this is a good collection of information to use as a reference or introduction into Santa Barbara history & Chumash studies. However, there are many questions left unanswered by the text, mainly about citations and how the assumptions stated in the text came to be regarded as fact. But while some things may be called into question, there are many citations from the historical and archaeological and ethnographic records that shed light on the Chumash ways of life pre-and mid- Mission Period in California. The information in this book is presented in an easily accessible way, with the sections being broken up so that they cover different aspects of the material, physical, and social cultures of the many Chumash villages that lived along the Santa Barbara Channel. I will continue to use this book as a reference as I move forward in my studies of Santa Barbara, California, and Indigenous histories.

[NormaJean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely. I am part California Native and picked up this little book recently. Such a treasure. Small, concise yet covers essential ground, and includes a small Chumash glossary!

The two Indexes are superior in providing additional resources to dig deeper into our past.

Three thumbs up!

[Caiden Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book! If you want a quick overview on the Chumash or a short read (It’s only 76 pages long), I would recommend this book!

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like it says on the cover - this is a guide to the Chumash people of California, from ancient archaeology to the present. It uses oral accounts from Chumash people, historical writings from Europeans, archaeology, various chemical analyses, etc.

One note - "present" means 1986, so this might be a little dated. I enjoyed it, but you probably shouldn't use this as your only source for a research paper.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had the origin myth I was looking for to use in the classroom. This contained the material on the use of natural materials from the environment.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, but kind of skimpy. I was hoping for something with more depth. I started and finished this while waiting at the Doctor's office.