Traces of the highly evolved Chumash people can be found throughout the Santa Monica Mountains and neighboring Ventura County. Solid dating for the Chumash begins around 8,000 B.C. Their villages were bunched along the shore from Malibu Canyon to Estero Bay. Malibu, which means where the surf speaks loudly in Chumash language, was the site of one of their largest villages. Leo Cabrillo and Sycamore Beach were also large population centers. The trading routes to the meadows in the mountains such as Wildwood and Rancho Sierra Vista (Satwiwa) are often the trails we hike today. Predominantly marine people they lived on the Channel Islands as well. The legend of the Rainbow Bridge from the Islands to the mainland tells us that the dolphins of the sea are brothers and sisters of the Chumash tribe.
Much more can be learned about these peace loving people at the Chumash Museum located on 432 acres of one of the oldest oak groves in all of California. First stop in the museum to view village replicas, artifacts gathered in the local mountains include arrowheads and hunting bows, trading beads, mortars for grinding acorns to mash, and intricately woven baskets. The Chumash believed in a great and powerful universe filled with supernatural beings. Above are the Sky People-benevolent Gods and below the Nunasis-dark beings. The Golden Eagle is considered the Chief of the First People. The giant Eagle of the Sky supports the upper world on his wings.
You can arrange a guided tour through the oak woodlands, recreated village, and caves containing ancient pictographs on weekends if you call ahead. But, a meditative stroll through the grounds on the trail beneath stately oaks (one mile in and out) can be enjoyed during the week. Bring a picnic lunch with you. Sit quietly and imagine what it was like when beings were one with sky and earth in the middle of their world.
Want to know more about the Chumash? Descendants who are alive and well hold events on the grounds of the museum and at Satwiwa (detailed in Outdoor Day # 8 ) In the spring Chumash elders in partnership with the National Park Service share their heritage with workshops in soapstone carving, basket weaving, Earth songs and dance.
Chumash Indian Museum- 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805) 492-8076
Comments