1. People of Orange County
The
Gabrielino Indians

2. About the People Location of the Gabrielino People
Widely known as thoughtful people
Called themselves the Tongva
Original inhabitants of Upper Newport Bay
Found from Malibu to Aliso Creek
Spanish named them Gabrielinos
because they live close to San Gabriel Mission
Location of the Gabrielino People

3. Shelter
Food
Used natural resources available at or near Upper Newport Bay
Plants, seeds, berries, and fruits made up largest part of their diet
Acorns, a staple of their diet, were collected from oak trees as nearby as present day Tustin.
The ocean provided fish, shellfish, and other food items.
Especially enjoyed abalone
Hunted animals around the bay area
Also ate reptiles and insects
Most of their time was spent hunting or gathering food.
Spent most of their lives outdoors
Homes were called kish and used only for sleeping and shelter from poor weather
Made with willow poles, tule grass, and cattail leaves
Smoke hole on top for indoor cooking
Animal skins for doors and
sleeping mats

4. Food Preparation
Knowledge of plants was important to Tongva women because some were poisonous!
Utensils were very important. Each woman had her own set.
When a woman died, her utensils were buried with her.
Bowls made from soapstone that came from Catalina Island could be placed right in the fire!

5. Roles of Men and Women Roles were very strict
Women gathered and prepared food.
Men were involved in hunting, trading, and craft-making.
Little clothing was necessary due to the mild climate.
Men and women wore accessories for decoration and status.

6. Baskets Main tool used to prepare food
Tongva women were expert weavers
So finely woven they were water tight
Used as huge storage bins
Gabrielino Baskets

7. Hunting Men were responsible for hunting, fishing, and making tools.
They designed fish hooks from abalone shells or other animal bones.
Used any available resource to make scrapers, hammers, drills, and other tools.
Tools were continually improved

8. Trading Trading took place between the Tongva and other tribes.
Soapstone and otter skins were obtained from Catalina.
Obsidian, acorns, and large game were obtained from as far east as the Salton Sea.
Canoes used to trade with
the Chumash of Catalina.

9. Religion and Government
Loose form of government
Male member gained permission to act as leader
Sometimes women were allowed to lead
Shaman was the religious leader
Included the teaching of morals
Tongva were a peaceable, kind people

10. Gabrielinos Then and Now
When missions arrived in Ca., Tongva culture gradually began to disappear.
The Tongva were wiped out by diseases, murder, and destruction of the environment.
Most of what is learned about the Tongva comes from information and artifacts they left behind.