Explorations in Sights and Sounds
Orginal Publication Date
1984
Journal Title
Explorations in Sights and Sounds
Volume
4
Issue
ess/vol4/iss1
First Page
45
Last Page
47
Abstract
Since information concerning the northern California Chilula has rarely appeared in print and some observers have maintained that they no longer exist as a tribe, Robert G. Lake, Jr., attempts to provide a comprehensive account of the people. He not only demonstrates that they do, indeed, exist but also that much of their traditional culture remains intact. Using relevant archaeological and ethnographic literature, as well as on-site field study of village and ceremonial locations and the collection of a number of personal interviews from elderly Chilulas, the author draws a relatively detailed picture of hunting practices, fishing techniques, gathering, food sources, medicinal herbs, animal cosmology, religion, and life cycle. The reader learns about the Chilula's lack of susceptibility to poison ivy, about how animals convey good and evil power, and about healing rituals. Lake's detail with respect to religion, which he asserts was "functionally integrated into every fiber" of the Chilula cultural system, is especially noteworthy.
Rights
Copyright, ©EES, The National Association for Ethnic Studies, 1984