The Salinan Tribe
by Andrew R.

The Salinan tribe lived in central California. That area is now part of San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties. There were about 100 people in each village. They lived in dome shaped houses covered with grasses and tule reeds. Four poles plus one center post supported the home which included a fireplace in the center and a smokehole on top. The Salinans built these homes along the river and lived peacefully within their boundaries.

Salinan's were gatherers and hunters. Acorns provided a staple, as there were six types that grew in the Salinan territory. Other plants used for food included wild oats, sage, and sunflower seeds, pine nuts, grapes, and yucca root. They also caught salmon and trout in the river and streams. Seafood was plentiful as they also got food from the ocean, such as mussels, crabs, abalone, and clams. Salinans ate many different types of foods, as they also hunted animals like dove, quail, and deer.

The Salinan men were the head of the families. Their main responsibility was to hunt and provide food for the village. Boys were taught to build fires and make bows, arrows, tools, and traps. All of the boys and men had to keep fit so they could outrun the large animals when out hunting. The men passed down stories and songs to the young boys to help the boys prepare for their future roll as provider and protector.

Salinan women led a busy life caring for their families. Their duties were to gather food, cook, grow and use medicinal plants, and tan skins. They were also responsible for building shelters, making baskets, and caring for the children. Young girls learned to observe quietly, to honor others, and be generous. Salinan women played an important part in village life.

The Salinan did not wear much clothing. In the summer, men did not normally wear anything, while women sometimes wore a shirt. They used tule reeds and grasses for skirts. When the weather got colder, both men and women made clothes from rabbit or other skins. In really cold weather they put mud on their bodies to keep warm. The men did have an outfit for hunting, which was usually a deer skin with the head and shoulders. Children did not wear any clothing until older, when they began to dress like the adults.

The Salinan had many dances and songs for all occasions. Fall and Spring seasonal dances were held. There were dances for men and dances for women. The dancers wore no clothing, but painted their bodies and wore headdresses with eagle feathers. The Salinans did not have many special ceremonies, but were a social people and held dances for many reasons, such as completing a communal project, or welcoming visitors to their village.

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