Anthropology
Our Chumash Life pages for teachers and students provide a basic introduction to some aspects of traditional daily life. Our anthropologists answer questions about cultural anthropology, the history of Native Californians, ethnobotany, Native art, traditional tools, and technology.
Main
- Anthropology
- Rocks & Fossils
- Invertebrates
- Vertebrates
- Botany
- Astronomy
- Fungi
- General
- Recently Asked
“What were the four words of the Lone Woman that established that her language was not Chumash but Cupeno instead?”
Kelly, Berkeley, CA - November 13, 2023
“Is there evidence of some ancient Chumash being disabled?”
Alan Salazar, Ventura - September 24, 2023
“My mother had this basket for years, and it was in some of the stuff I saved after she died. Now I myself am in my 70's. I do not know if the basket is authentic or an imitation, although I do know t...”
Patti, Redlands, CA - September 18, 2023
“I would like to know if this basket is Native American made, or is a tourist trade knock-off. If my pictures are not adequate, or you need more information, please let me know.”
Roger, Arroyo Grande - March 15, 2023
“I found this stone bowl shortly after the recent storms near Haskells Beach area. The bowl was among several large rocks that are not normally seen.
The bowl perfectly balanced upright has two gro...”
Emma, Montecito - February 1, 2023
“Found at at Goleta Beach. Any help in identifying its use or origin would be great. It feels almost like glass.
Thank you for your help with this inquiry!”
Angi, Goleta - June 24, 2022
“Do you have any Chumash bows or arrows on display or in the backroom archives? Do you know what plants the Chumash used for their arrows? In SoCal, the Kumeyaay used reed (Phragmitis) or arrow-weed (P...”
Kevin, San Diego - June 23, 2022
“Hello,
I found this fish hook and petrified fish at Hendry's Beach
Is the fish hook Chumash ?”
Silvia, Santa Barbara CA - June 11, 2022
“I am reading The Noontide Sun. In the book by Arlene Benson based off Stephen Bowers. He says he found two mortars. Carved from whale vertebrae. Did these make it to the SBMNH? Very curious to see wha...”
Joshua, Frazier Park - October 18, 2021
“Hello I am a social studies teacher and will be showing this to my class, I believe it might be an artifact of significance. Found in rocks below cliffs at a known location of Tongva village. ”
Nicole, Palos Verdes Estates - September 19, 2021