What the hell is that!?
The Chumash are the a primary native people of the Central Coast of California. Their population peaked at about 20,000 before the Spanish priests began enslaving them and, with the help of Spanish soldiers, wiping out much of their population and culture in the 16th century. Their territory, extending from Malibu to Point Concepcion and from the Channel Islands out through the Santa Ynez Valley, was the most densely populated native American territory. Last Fall, at a workshop at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, I learned not to talk about the Chumash in the past tense, as they are a small but vibrant culture in the present day.
The Chumash used (and to some extend continue to use) some 1,500 native plant species as food, weaponry, shelter, medicine, diversions and spiritual aids. I recently had the opportunity to spent a day in Aliso Canyon with Jan Timbrook, an expert in Chumash ethnobotany (the use of plants by these native people). It was a fascinating day. I took pictures and recorded notes and combined them in a short file which I'd be glad to email to you if you'll send me a note at robdenholtz@gmail.com.
