by Greg Wilson & Flash Alexander

Native American people still make their home on the Central Coast They have been living in (or near) what is now called Cambria for roughly 9,000 years? The coastal stretch from present-day Cayucos to San Carpoforo (near Ragged Point) was their home.

Archeologists refer to these early coastal residents as 'playano', a name first given to them by early Spanish explorers. Playano translates as 'beach people'. Research has revealed that the area around present-day Cambria may have been occupied by as many as 200 families belonging to various tribes who shared a common language known as 'hokan'. These families included individuals from Chumash, Salinan and Esalen native groups. Intermarriage among these groups was common, as was trading and commerce.

Fading evidence of the occupation of these early groups can still be seen along the coastal beaches and byways in or near Cambria. 'Metate', smooth holes which have been worn in the face of boulders by countless years of grinding acorns (a staple food source), can be still be seen along the side of at least one local creek bed. Other evidence includes the presence of simple beach-side fire hearths which were used to prepare shellfish, another favorite food. Some of these sites are thought to date as far back as 4,000 BC.

Well known among these natives are the Chumash Indians. The Chumash lived along the Central Californian coast for hundreds of years. The Chumash interacted intimately with the ocean and were able to craft magnificent plank canoes made out of redwood trees that had drifted down the coast from Northern California. Unfortunately, after the establishment of the Spanish Missions in Central California in the late 1700s, the Chumash population began a rapid decline. Today, only about 7500 people of Chumash decent remain with a small group of them living in the last Chumash village located on the present grounds of the Santa Ynez Chumash Reservation (near Santa Barbara).

Interesting links:

	Esalen Institute:  http://www.esalen.org/
	Chumash Website: http://www.wishtoyo.org/
	Influential Chumash Indians of southern California: M.S. QILILKUTAYIWIT [Maria Solares] http://www.freeyellow.com/members5/john444/solares.html

	Mission San Miguel:  Extensive collection of native artifacts. Located in San Miguel, CA. Take the 101 north to the Nacimiento Road exit. Follow the signs.
	Santa Ynez Chumash Indian Casino: The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians invites you to experience Las Vegas-style thrills in their card room, video game lounge or at the high stakes Bingo tables. Free buses leave from Santa Maria or make the short trip south to Santa Ynez on your own. Take Highway 101 to Highway 246 east to Santa Ynez. (800) 728-9997

Book: Evolution of Chumash Society : A Comparative Study of Artifacts Used for Social System Maintenance in the Santa Barbara Channel Region Before A.D. 18