Near this site, the village of Shisholop,
home to 300 to 400 Chumash, once
stretched from the beach near the base of
Figueroa Street inland past the San
Buenaventura Mission. From its beginning,
about 1000 AD., Shisholop (meaning "in
the mud") grew into a regional center of
trade, politics and religion. The village
flourished through the time of the first
European contact in 1542, to the time of
the founding of the San Buenaventura
Mission in 1782.
Located near the Ventura River and
ocean, the village was surrounded by
abundant resources for food and shelter.
The Chumash homes were dome-shaped
and made of pliable willow poles covered
with layers of sedge thatching. Swift plank
canoes known as tomols enabled the
Chumash to utilize the rich marine and
island resources. The tomol, unique
among
North
American
Indians and considered advanced
in design, was constructed from
boards made from driftwood, sewn
together with fiber cord, the seams
caulked with tar, and covered with a
mixture of red ochre and pine pitch.
The Chumash were also skilled in
making coiled baskets which served
many functions, including water
storage, and even cooking
containers. The Chumash are
admired world-wide for the beauty
and intricate design of their
basketry.
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