The term "Miwok," meaning "people" in their native language, designates a group of Indigenous peoples who historically inhabited a significant portion of what is now California. Originally classified as a distinct linguistic stock by John Wesley Powell, the Miwok language is now recognized as a branch within the broader Penutian linguistic family, highlighting connections with other Native American languages of the Pacific Coast. This article will delve into the geographical distribution, social organization, and population dynamics of the Miwok Indians.
Geographical Distribution of the Miwok
The Miwok people were not a single, unified tribe but rather a collection of related groups distinguished by their geographical location and dialect. They occupied three primary, geographically separate areas:
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Sierra Miwok (Plains and Sierra Division): This was the largest and most populous group, residing along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Their territory stretched from the Fresno River in the south to the Cosumnes River in the north. They also inhabited the valley floor, particularly the delta region where the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers converge, characterized by a network of winding waterways.
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Coast Miwok: Located closer to the Pacific coast, the Coast Miwok occupied the region north of the Golden Gate, extending northward to Duncan’s Point and eastward to Sonoma Creek. This placed them in the present-day Marin County and southern Sonoma County areas. Their proximity to the ocean significantly influenced their way of life, resource acquisition, and cultural practices.
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Lake Miwok: The smallest of the three groups, the Lake Miwok lived in the Clear Lake basin, a geographically enclosed area in present-day Lake County. Their territory included the drainage areas of several small streams that flowed into the southern end of Clear Lake, as well as a short stretch along the southern bank of Cache Creek, the lake’s outlet.
This geographically diverse distribution led to variations in culture, subsistence strategies, and social organization among the different Miwok groups.
Miwok Subdivisions and Villages
Beyond the broad geographical divisions, the Miwok were further subdivided into smaller dialectic and tribal groups, each with its own distinct territory and set of villages. Documenting all Miwok villages has proven challenging, but below is a curated list of well-authenticated, independent settlements, categorized by the major Miwok divisions:
Lake Miwok Villages:
- Awani: A significant village within the Lake Miwok territory.
- Choke: Another notable settlement of the Lake Miwok people.
- Kabalhai: A village playing a role in the community’s structure.
- Kaiya: A recognized settlement.
- Lileek: An identified location in Lake Miwok territory.
- Oleyome: Another village contributing to the overall Miwok population.
- Tibulhwe: A historically recognized settlement.
- Yo-i: One of the known settlements.
The Lake Miwok were likely subdivided into two or three distinct district or tribal groups, though precise details of these subdivisions are less documented compared to other Miwok groups.
Coast Miwok Villages:
- Echa-kolum: A village of the Coast Miwok, important to their social structure.
- Hime-takala: Another Coast Miwok settlement.
- Kennekono: A location within the Coast Miwok territory.
- Kotati: A known settlement along the coast.
- Liwanelowa: A place of significance.
- Olema-lokli: A village within the Coast Miwok’s region.
- Olompali: An important village, also known as Olompoli, a site of historical importance and later a California State Historic Landmark.
- Onatca: One of the known Coast Miwok villages.
- Petaluma: A significant village, which later gave its name to the modern city of Petaluma.
- Peta-yuma: Another designation for the village of Petaluma.
- Shotomko-cha: A place of settlement along the coast.
- Suwutenne: A designated Coast Miwok settlement.
- Tamakala: A recognized village in Coast Miwok territory.
- Tecuan: Another recognized settlement.
- Tiwa: A village along the coast.
- Tokola: One of the many known settlements.
- Tuchayalin: Another place of settlement.
- Utumia: A recognized location within the Coast Miwok territory.
Valley Miwok – Plains Division Villages:
- Chilamni: A village in the plains division.
- Cosumnes: A significant village in the valley.
- Gualacomni: A village in the plains division.
- Lelumne: A village in the valley.
- Mokelumne: A historically recognized settlement.
- Sacalumne: One of the recognized settlements.
Northern Sierra Miwok Villages:
- Amucha: A recognized Northern Miwok settlement.
- Cathmutca: A settlement within the Northern Miwok territory.
- Chawi: A village of the Northern Miwok.
- Etem: A known village in the Northern division.
- Hokokwila: A recognized settlement.
- Melilo: A village of the Northern Miwok people.
- Pihuna: One of the historically documented villages.
- Polomi: A recognized location within the Northern Miwok territory.
- Sauli: Another Northern Miwok village.
- Sonora: A village that later gave its name to the town of Sonora.
- Succa: A recognized settlement.
- Tulsina: A Northern Miwok settlement.
- Tutumbala: A place of residence for the Northern Miwok.
Central Sierra Miwok Villages:
- Awal: A village of the Central Miwok.
- Hapisu: A known settlement.
- Huchkala: One of the settlements within the Central Miwok area.
- Kasoimenu: A recognized village.
- Katukana: A Central Miwok village.
- Kewesu: A place of settlement.
- Kulutisa: A Central Miwok location.
- Kutusa: Another recognized village.
- Maktati: A known settlement.
- Oákatcha: A Central Miwok village.
- Sakayakala: A place of settlement.
- Sakuanamenu: A recognized village.
- Sukumumu: A Central Miwok location.
- Tokoimenu: A known settlement.
- Tokona: A Central Miwok location.
- Yosikala: A Central Miwok settlement, potentially related to Yosemite.
- Yowatchi: A recognized village.
Southern Sierra Miwok Villages:
- Dalacha: A village of the Southern Miwok.
- Nuttutu: A Southern Miwok settlement.
- Pauau: A recognized village.
- Sogelu: A settlement in the Southern Miwok territory.
- Supe-si: Another village of the Southern Miwok.
- WichamnI: A Southern Miwok settlement.
It’s important to note that this list, while comprehensive, may not be exhaustive. The specific names and locations of many smaller or less documented villages may have been lost to time.
Miwok Population
Estimating the pre-contact population of Native American groups is a complex undertaking, often relying on historical accounts and archaeological evidence. Alfred Kroeber, a prominent anthropologist, estimated that in 1770, the approximate population figures for the Miwok were:
- Lake Miwok: 500
- Coast Miwok: 1,500
- Plains and Sierra Miwok: 9,000
This brings the total estimated Miwok population in 1770 to approximately 11,000 individuals.
However, the arrival of European settlers and the subsequent introduction of diseases, displacement, and conflict had a devastating impact on the Miwok population. By 1910, the census recorded only 670 Miwok individuals. Kroeber estimated that the number was closer to 700 for the Plains and Sierra Miwok alone. The 1930 census recorded 491 individuals.
These figures highlight the significant population decline experienced by the Miwok people as a result of historical events. While the population has since rebounded somewhat, the legacy of these historical traumas continues to impact Miwok communities today.
Conclusion
The Miwok Indians, divided into geographically distinct groups, possessed a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to the land. Their diverse settlements, ranging from the shores of Clear Lake to the slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the Pacific Coast, reflected their adaptability and resourcefulness. While historical events have significantly impacted their population and way of life, the Miwok people continue to maintain their cultural identity and work towards self-determination and cultural preservation. The study of the Miwok provides valuable insights into the history, culture, and resilience of California’s Indigenous peoples.
