Yesterday I came back from Ojai (O-hi). While at Ojai, my eye caught a interesting hut. There was a sign written "Chumash hut." My mom and I went inside. We were really impressed to see what Chumash native american tribes used to live in. The Chumash shelter was called an 'ap.' What was really amazing is that the whole 'ap was made of straw and hay! It reminded me of the three little pigs. Except the 'ap I saw won't be blown down by the big bad wolf.
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| photo by my mom |
In the 'ap, there were tree stumps surrounding a fireplace. I thought it was a bad idea to make a house of straw and hay with fire in the middle. Luckily, when I looked up, there was a hole on the top. That was a very clever idea.
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| photo by me |
Some facts about the Chumash huts are:
When it rained, the Chumash people would cover the top and door with animal skin or tulle (dry grass.)
The 'ap was built in a dome like manner so that the rain would trickle down to the outside ground.
The houses were 12-20 feet tall, but the chief's was about 30 feet tall.
The 'aps were also made of willow poles with a hole on top covered with tulle.
Have you ever seen a Chumash 'ap or hut?
Where did you see it?
Do you have any more facts about 'aps?
Do you have any more facts about 'aps?
