Book Review: Life of the California Coast Nations

Life of the California Coast Nations by Molly Aloian and Bobbie Kalman, Crabtree Publishing Company, New York, 2005.

This is a brief introduction to the coastal native American groups of California.  It included some very interesting illustrations of native homes.  This also included illustration of a ramada and a sweatlodge.  The It showed the construction of a tumol, ocean going canoe built by the Chumash and Gabrielino/Tongva people.  Other water vessels included crude rafts, and balsa boats make form tule reeds. 

I learned more about the process of leaching which was used to make acorns less bitter.  I have often wondered why you can’t just pick up an acorn to eat it.  However it has lots of tannin which needs to be leached out wo make it palatable. 

I also found the illustrations of musical instruments interesting.  There was a rattle, which was very distinctive and also a clapper stick.  Both instruments are rhythmic. 

It also showed some modern art work.  Native American basketry and artwork are superb.