Tule, trails, and trade Kumeyaay prosperity
As the Spanish ventured into Kumeyaay lands, they encountered a people whose domain spanned the border between present-day United States and Mexico. A territory that allowed the Kumeyaay into developing an identity around this unique landscape. Their territory stretched from the coast of California to the sand dunes of the Colorado River. The Kumeyaay were organized into bands, each with control of regions with distinct landscapes. Within these regions, a diverse range of life zones existed that included the lowland desert, to highland mountain ranges and the coast. In each area, the Kumeyaay were efficient in resource gathering in order to sustain themselves, either through low-scale farming on the wetlands of the Colorado River and even fishing along bodies of water.
A SHARED LIFELINE
The indigenous people of the Colorado Desert occupied the shores of Lake Cahuilla when it was present. The Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, Cocopah, and Quechan all occupied the shores of Lake Cahuilla. The Kumeyaay used fish traps made of rocks to collect the fish. Due to the lake being long dried up by time anthropologists began studying the area, it is difficult to know the exact usage of fish traps. They may have held poles and nets, or the rock formation funneled fish into a basket trap at the point. Of the 400 fish traps found, the most common in the Imperial Valley are the V-shaped and U-shaped fish traps. Many of these fish traps have been found in different sea elevations, some have been found around 38 feet below sea level and others at 203 feet below sea level. These elevations demonstrate how Lake Cahuilla’s shoreline moved down as the water receded.
BEYOND THE REEDS
The importance of fish varied with the location of Kumeyaay bands. Sites along the Pacific coast indicate that fish and shellfish were an important part of their diet. Maritime activities were facilitated with the use of tule boats, which were made from tule reeds. These tule reeds were located in local marshes after being cut they would be dried for a few days. Once they were ready to be used, tule stems were tethered and then tied around the boat to hold it together. The Kumeyaay understood the concept of buoyancy and curved tule reeds to their boats in order to make them sustain the waves in the ocean.
FOOTPRINTS OF THE PAST
As a semi-nomadic culture, trade in Kumeyaay society was based on goods and services. The trading practices of the Kumeyaay people were characterized by their adaptability to the environment. Kumeyaay bands traded frequently with each other, and it is possible that they would have traded with other groups along the Colorado River and groups to the north. Kumeyaay hubs were connected by a well-established network of trails facilitating the
movement of goods. Commonly traded items included salt, dried greens, shells, acorns, agave, mesquite beans, and gourds. Shells were highly valued as they were used to create jewelry, bowls, and fishhooks. These coastal goods were exchanged with inland based bands the Kamia for animal skins, acorns, and obsidian.
The Kumeyaay maintained a complex network of trails used to connect bands and facilitate the movement of goods. These trails were so efficient that they became the routes used by newcomers such as Juan de Anza and later by future settlers, as they crossed the Colorado Desert. These trails not only connected the bands but they led them to vital resources such as clay, minerals and water. According to Kumeyaay beliefs, these trails were also traveled by spirits, both benevolent and malevolent. It is believed animals appearing in dreams could reappear on trails and guide travelers. One notable example is that of a Kumeyaay dream doctor reporting he dreamt of a mountain lion, who became his guardian, stating it would never let him perish in the desert from thirst or exposure.
If you want to see what it’s like to build your own Tule boat join us for Traditional Craft
Day at IVDM on Saturday February 17, 2024 from 10:00am4:00pm. During our traditional craft days we celebrate Kumeyaay culture. You will have the opportunity to learn about the art of making a tule boat and the best part? You will be able to test your skills and see if your tule boat will float! This event is free to all visitors at IVDM. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
The Imperial Valley Desert Museum is located in Ocotillo, California. It is open Wednesdays through Sundays 10am4pm.