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Miwok Studies





Clothing and Shelter

In the densely forested reaches of the mountains surrounding the Ahwahnee Valley, and on the valley floor itself, the abundance of trees and bark allowed the native peoples to construct houses of long, tall strips of tree bark they could easily gather from incense cedar trees. The bark was laid over a 10-15 pole framework in a comical - tipi-like - shape, and this bark provided insulation from the winter weather, protection from insects in the summer, and if laid properly, was a fairly waterproof shell. They called these houses u-ma-cha.

For everyday clothing, the Yosemite Miwok wore deerskin. The men wore breechcloths and the women skirts made from tanned deerskin. In summer months the young children ran free with no clothing. In winter months they bundled themselves in blankets made from the skin and fur of rabbits or deer, bear, mountain lion or coyote. Shoes were moccasins made of buckskin and lived with cedar bark. The hair was worn long and bound behind. Flowers and feathers adorned the hair on occasion.

Ceremonial clothing for special dances and observations saw the men wear headbands made of feathers, or a headdress of feathers. Eagle down was woven into sashes that would lay diagonally from the shoulder to their waist, and they would wear a kilt of wildcat, fox or coyote with a long feather overlay. White shell necklaces in multiples might decorate their chests. Over this a beautiful cape of eagle or hawk feathers was worn to complete the ceremonial clothing. These dancers commanded the village's respect and attention, and were used at times of important observations, and for mourning ceremonies to honor their lost members.