Quapa facts for kids
Quapa was a historic village of the Tongva people. It was located in the area we now call Encino or the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County, California. Quapa was one of several Tongva villages in the San Fernando Valley.
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What Was Quapa?
Quapa was a home for the Tongva people for many years. It was a place where families lived, worked, and shared their culture. Villages like Quapa were important centers for daily life and traditions.
The Tongva People
The Tongva are the native people of the Los Angeles Basin. They lived in this area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. They had a rich culture, with their own language, customs, and ways of life. The Tongva were skilled at using the natural resources around them. They lived in harmony with the land.
Where Was Quapa Located?
Finding the exact spot of Quapa today can be tricky. A priest named Padre Santa Maria wrote about its general location in 1796. However, some people believe his notes were not completely accurate. Later, a man named Hugo Reid, who was married to a Tongva woman, also spoke about Quapa. He said it was connected to the Mission San Gabriel.
Life Changes for the Tongva
Life for the Tongva people changed a lot after missions were built in California. Missions were large settlements created by Spanish priests. Many Tongva people were brought to live and work at these missions.
In 1833, the missions became "secularized." This means they were no longer controlled by the church. Instead, they were managed by the government. During the mission period, many Tongva people were baptized. Records show that between 1797 and 1833, over 2,700 native people were baptized. After the missions changed, many Tongva people moved to other communities nearby. They continued their lives and traditions in new places.
Other Tongva Villages
Quapa was not the only Tongva village in the San Fernando Valley. There were many others, showing how many people lived in the area. Some of these other villages included:
- Kowanga
- Mapipinga
- Okowvinja
- Pascegna
- Saway-yanga
- Tacuenga
- Tuyunga
