The
wetlands provided nearly everything the Yokuts needed. The wetlands and surrounding
alkaline soil even provided a good source of essential trace elements and minerals
such as iodine and selenium. Housepits were dug out to a depth of about three
feet and the dirt was piled around the outside of the hole. They then constructed
a dome from willow branches, probably covered with tulle reeds, and mud to make
them waterproof. The dirt floors eventually sealed from the oil in the inhabitants
feet, making them watertight and easily swept. Some of the floors still hold water
today.
The Lake Yokuts use tule for almost
everything; their houses, baskets, mats and boats. Their houses "resembled
a long, wedge-shaped tent. Poles having a crotch in the top were set in the ground
in a straight line at intervals of about 8 or 10 feet. In these crotches were
laid straight poles which formed a ridge against which other light poles were
leaned. Small branches were cut from the upright posts and leaning poles, leaving
stubs 3 to 4 inches long. These stubs were used as hangers for clothing and all
kinds of camp equipment...Against this supporting framework were laid the tule
mats, the fiber of the tules standing upright. The Lake houses were sometimes
as long as 400 feet and housed a dozen or more families. The dance house of the
Kawatchwa Yokuts near Los Banos was more than 90 feet in diameter. Lake Yokuts
lived on clams, fish, racoon, otter, waterfowl, elk, antelope, jackrabbits, small
seeds, grass nuts, tule seed and roots.
But
in the late 18th Century, the Padres and the mission builders came . . . and the
Yokut's way of life near Los Banos changed forever. During the 100 years of Spanish
rule, the California Indians adopted the Spanish culture. Actually they had three
choices; join the Spaniards, escape elsewhere, or stand and fight. The tried all
three, but no matter their choice, their culture was lost.
What
we have left today are some archeological sites, (one of which may complicate
the northern Highway 152 bypass route). Historian Frank Latta's book "Handbook
of the Yokuts", and artifacts which abound throughout the area. Many locals
decorate their yards with mortars and pestles the Yokuts
once used, as well as collect arrowheads and other common artifacts.
Related
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Los
Banos is an area rich in history and cultural diversity. You'll love it here.
Some folks believe the feeling of peace and serenity
in Los Banos emanates from the earth itself, due to original residents . . . Native
American Yokuts, who lived off the Eden-like wetlands in serenity for many years.
Native Americans were very aware of the nature of the flood plains, and built
their villages on the upland portions of the Central Valley.
