Traditional Stories of the California Nations

Traditional Stories of the California Nations — page 5
Central California was inhabited by tribes such as the Pomo the Maidu the Miwoks and the Yokuts Some tribes lived on the coast while others lived on mountain slopes and in the valleys Food was abundant in these areas Tribe members hunted elk antelope deer and rabbit They created elaborate coiled baskets In Southern California tribes established homes along the coast USEFUL AND BEAUTIFUL Obsidian is natural glass formed from the molten magma in a volcano It comes to Earth's surface in lava flows When obsidian is broken it has a razor sharp edge Native American tribes traditionally used obsidian for arrow points and knife blades They also used it to make other tools as well as decorative and ceremonial objects Today Native Americans continue to produce obsidian artwork and tools The ocean provided plenty of food and some villages became quite prosperous The Chumash lived on the islands and along the shore in communities of up to 1 000 people