Lake Miwok facts for kids
Clear Lake, California,
is the homeland of the Lake Miwok |
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1770: 500 1850: 100 1880: 20 |
|
| Regions with significant populations | |
| California: Lake County |
|
| Languages | |
| English, formerly Lake Miwok language | |
| Religion | |
| Shamanism: Kuksu: Miwok mythology |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Miwok |
The Lake Miwok are a group of Native American people. They are part of the larger Miwok family. They lived in Northern California, especially around Clear Lake in what is now Lake County. The Lake Miwok didn't have one big name for themselves. The word Miwok comes from a different Miwok group and means 'people'.
Contents
Life of the Lake Miwok People
The Lake Miwok spoke their own unique language, called the Lake Miwok language. It was part of the Utian language family. They were hunters and gatherers, meaning they found their food from nature. They lived in small groups and did not have one main leader for everyone. The Lake Miwok were very good at making baskets.
Lake Miwok Beliefs and Religion
The original Lake Miwok people had a special way of looking at the world. They practiced Shamanism, which involves spiritual leaders called shamans. One important part of their beliefs was the Kuksu religion. This religion was common in Central and Northern California.
Kuksu included detailed acting and dancing ceremonies. People wore traditional costumes for these events. There was an annual ceremony to remember those who had passed away. They also had special rites of passage for young people becoming adults. Shamans would connect with the spirit world to help their community.
Only men were part of a special society that met in underground dance rooms. The Kuksu religion was shared with other Native American groups. These included the Lake Pomo, Maidu, Ohlone, Esselen, and northern Yokuts.
Stories and Myths of the Lake Miwok
The Lake Miwok had many myths, legends, and stories. These tales were similar to those of other Native Americans in Central and Northern California.
Miwok Mythology and Creator Stories
Miwok mythology and stories were much like those of their neighbors. The Lake Miwok believed that animal spirits and human spirits existed. They saw animal spirits as their ancestors. Coyote was a very important figure in their myths. He was seen as both an ancestor and a creator god.
Lake Miwok Villages
The Lake Miwok lived in several villages. Here are some of the known village locations:
- Near present-day Lower Lake: Kado'(?)'-yomi-pukut, Tu'bud or Tu'bul, Tule'-yomi.
- Near present-day Middletown: Laka'h-yomi, La'lmak-pukut.
- In Pope Valley: Kai-yomi-pukut, TsBk-yomi-pukut or ShOkomi.
- In Coyote Valley: Kala'u-yomi, Kilinyo-ke, Ki'tsin-pukut, Ole'-yomi, Sha'lshal-pukut, Shandk-yomi-pukut.
- In Jerusalem Valley: Wodi'daitepi.
- Northern Clear Lake Basin: Kawi-yomi, Tsitsa-pukut.
- Other villages: Tumi'stumis-pukut, 'Tsu'keliwa-pukut, Wi'lok-yomi, Yawl'-yomi-pukut.
History of the Lake Miwok
The Lake Miwok lived near other groups like the Pomo, Coast Miwok, and Wappo people. Between 1800 and 1840, some Lake Miwok people were encouraged to move to Spanish Missions. Many went to the Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma. Records show that some people from villages near Clear Lake were baptized by 1835.
Sadly, the Native people around Clear Lake faced a terrible time. A serious smallpox sickness spread in 1837 from Fort Ross. This sickness caused a huge loss of life among the Lake Miwok and other groups.
Lake Miwok Population Changes
The number of Lake Miwok people changed a lot over time.
- In 1770, there were about 400-500 Lake Miwok people.
- By 1848, the population was estimated to be around 200.
- In 1850, it dropped even more to about 100 people.
- By 1880 and 1920, the estimated population was as low as 20 people.
