California Indians and Their Environment

Description

Capturing the vitality of California’s unique indigenous cultures| this major new introduction incorporates the extensive research of the past thirty years into an illuminating| comprehensive synthesis for a wide audience.
Based in part on new archaeological findings| it tells how the California Indians lived in vibrant polities| each boasting a rich village life including chiefs| religious specialists| master craftspeople| dances| feasts| and ceremonies.
Throughout| the book emphasizes how these diverse communities interacted with the state’s varied landscape| enhancing its already bountiful natural resources through various practices centered around prescribed burning.
A handy reference section| illustrated with more than one hundred color photographs| describes the plants| animals| and minerals the California Indians used for food| basketry and cordage| medicine| and more.
At a time when we are grappling with the problems of maintaining habitat diversity and sustainable economies| we find that these native peoples and their traditions have much to teach us about the future| as well as the past| of California.