Miwok (Me-wuk) Way of Life and Culture

The Plains Miwok (also spelled Miwuk, Mi-Wuk, or Me-Wuk) first migrated to this area of the Mokelumne River watershed between 10,000 to 13,000 years ago. They were one of four “bands” of 9,000-11,000 Miwok tied together by a common language root — Plains and Sierra; Coast; Bay; and Lake. However, the four "bands" did not see themselves as one "nation." They lived in smaller tribelets of 50-100 people up and down the Mokelumne River. Within a 20-mile radius east of Lodi, there were at least three known villages.

The Miwok had active relationships with the flora and fauna in the Mokelumne River Watershed, learning from carnivores and herbivores alike what plants and meats were edible and which to avoid. They were active land managers during the wet and dry seasons — harvesting, thinning, burning, planting, and seeding to increase yield and maintaining habitats for animals they hunted.

Acorn nuts from the Valley Oak were a treasured food source for the Miwok in the area. Each family gathered an astounding 2,000 pounds a year, and stored the nuts they gathered in the fall. Acorn-based meals also included plants — from bulbs to berries, mushrooms, fish and shellfish, elk, jackrabbits, birds and their eggs, snakes, the occasional mountain sheep and black bear, and even many insects, to name just a few! They hunted with plants, arrows, clubs and snares — each used for different prey.

Tule reeds, willow, grape, and various tree barks in the area provided the materials for homes, boats, clothing, and baskets. The Miwok are basket weavers well-known for their design and basket strength, both in the pre-colonial period and the present day. The baskets allowed them to store acorns for many months as well as carry water. On this tour, you’ll stop by an area where basket weavers continue to gather materials.

There was a great deal of trading across Northern California Natives groups. These baskets, as well as minerals, stone, acorns, feathers, and hides were all valuable to other native populations. When visitors arrived, it was the responsibility of the chief to host them, offering them food and other appropriate gifts. Visitors would then bring out their own gifts and, soon after, trading began. The chief was also responsible for supporting and maintaining overall well-being of the families and individuals in the tribelet.

While we often think of religion as a "practice" set aside for certain days or times, for the Miwok, their spiritual life was bound together with their daily life. Music, songs, ceremony, and forms of ritual were incorporated into daily activities and work.