Display Case 2: Traditional Tongva Tools and Daily Life
This display demonstrates the sophisticated material culture and daily practices of the Tongva people through essential tools, food sources, and household items. The collection illustrates how the Tongva skillfully crafted implements from local materials like obsidian, soapstone, and plant fibers to create everything from sharp cutting tools and grinding stones to decorative beads and functional mats, while also showcasing important native plants that provided food and medicine for their communities.
Stone Tools
The Tongva used various types of stones to make tools, including obsidian and chert (1), which produced very sharp edges. To make a tool, the Tongva would first select a big chunk of obsidian (2). Using a hammerstone (3), small pieces (called flakes) were removed to produce the shape of the intended tool, in this case a biface (4). The edge of the tool was sharpened with the use of a deer antler tip (5). The Tongva used soapstone to make bowls and other essentials, using a scraper (6) and an abrader (7).
Loan courtesy of Desiree Martinez
Soapstone Beads
Soapstone beads (8) were used by the Tongva for personal adornment, gifts, and trade.
Loan courtesy of Desiree Martinez
Elderberries (huukat) (9) and elderberry syrup (10)
Loan courtesy of Craig Torres
California Bay Laurel (‘avaangar)
Leaves (11) are used as an insecticide and as medicine to cure headaches.
Loan courtesy of Craig Torres
Chia flowers (pashiiy ‘ashuun)
These flowers (12) are the source of chia seeds, a vital food source for the Tongva.
Loan courtesy of Craig Torres
Tule Mat (hiihinat)
Tule mats were used in Tongva homes (kiiy) (13) for seating and sleeping, as room dividers, and to protect doorways. They were also used as baby carriers.
Loan courtesy of Craig Torres
Mano, Metate, and Soaproot Brush
The mano (‘amaan) (14) and metate (ngooxavet) (15) are used to grind acorns, seeds, and other items in food preparation. The soaproot brush (sapeechoha’) (16) is used to clean the metate and other cookware.
Rancho Los Cerritos permanent collection
