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How were tule rafts and dugout boats used by Indigenous peoples of California?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Map of California and surrounding areas showing the traditional homelands of Indigenous peoples, with tribal names such as Miwok, Pomo, Chumash, Yokut, Shastan, Mojave, and others labeled within outlined regions across the state.
Indigenous peoples of California

Indigenous peoples of California utilized specialized watercraft tailored to their specific environments to maximize the productivity of the region's diverse landscapes.1

  • Tule Rafts: Groups living near bays and lakes constructed rafts using bundles of tule (a type of reed) lashed together. These vessels were essential for navigating calm, inland waters.1
  • Dugout Boats: Riverine groups utilized flat-bottomed dugouts, which were crafted by hollowing out large logs. These boats were particularly well-suited for river travel.1

While these specific watercraft served local needs, other groups in the region developed different maritime technologies; for example, the Chumash of the southern coast built seaworthy plank canoes to hunt large sea mammals.1