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?
@ Chloe,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous post about our local Native American tribe! Later in the year, we will read a story called Badger Claws of Ojai, so your post will really be useful for the class. In social studies, we learn about the historic Native American group that lived in our area. The tribe is the Chumash!
Here is a link to some photos from a field trip. We will be going to the Chumash village this year.
The Chumash: Our Local Native American Tribe
How many families lived in one ap?
Would you want to live in one?
Your proud teacher,
Mrs. Y♥llis
Dear Mrs. Yollis,
DeleteThank you for your kind words and informative comment!
You asked "How many families lived in one ap?"
I learned from the student written captions of last year's video that several families lived in one ap. Thank you for the link! :-)
I remember last year when the third graders read Badger Claws of Ojai, but I don't want to spill the beans on what happened. ;-)
I never knew that the Chumash people were our LOCAL Native American tribe! I really look forward to learning more about the Chumash tribe as a class. I also can't wait to visit the Chumash village this year!
I wouldn't want to live in an ap, because I love my house and my personal space. However, I would love to explore more about how they were made, and to visit one again.
Have you ever thought about living in an ap?
Sincerely,
Chloe
Hello, Chloe.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog about Chumash huts. When you were in the hut, didn't you imagine what it would like to be a young Chumash girl living there?
Incidentally, I saw the video that your mom posted on Facebook with your artwork. Your drawings are so colorful! Did you pick out the music for the video? Great job!
Your neighbor,
Linda
Dear Linda,
DeleteThank you for visiting my blog and for your comment!
Yes, when I was in the hut, I imagined what it would be like to be a Chumash girl living there.
I imagined that it would feel cozy but maybe crowded. I noticed that there were no electrical outlets, so there would be no T.V. There was probably a lot of family quality time in the 'ap.
Thank you for your compliment on my artwork. Yes, I picked the music for the video. I love it because it is called "Move of Squirrel" and is very nature-like.
Have you ever seen an 'ap?
Did you imagine what it would be to live in one?
Sincerely,
Chloe
Chloe,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting blog! Sounds like you learned a lot about 'aps, What state did you see it in?
Dear Ms. Lemke,
DeleteThank you for your comment! You are right, I did learn a lot about 'aps. Do you know any additional facts about them?
I saw the 'ap in Ojai, California.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
I hope we continue to blog together.
Sincerely,
Chloe
Hi Chloe,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post about our trip to Ojai.
It was wonderful being out in nature and doing fun things like swimming, walking, cycling and exploring.
I know you really appreciate nature and all it has to offer.
I can't wait for us to go on another trip and to discover more interesting features!
Love you,
Dad
Dear Chloe,
ReplyDeleteI love this post and that you included photos.
I have also been to a Chumash Village and also noticed the large aps.
I love that you added the facts.
I remember learning that for the adults that were out hunting there were underground places where they had meetings.
Have you heard of that?
Do you know what they are called?
Your friend,
Lia
Hello Chloe!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Chastity Westry. I am a student in EDM310 at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed reading your post! This post provided me with a lot of information about the Chumash Native American tribes. Also, I think you provided great details and photos on the Chumash huts.
Thanks for sharing and keep blogging!
Dear Chastity,
DeleteThank you for your encouraging and kind words! I learned from the best, and her name is Mrs. Yollis! Here is a link to her blog: Mrs. Yollis' classroom blog
You said you are at the University of South Alabama. Do you know Samantha West? Do you know Dr. Strange?
Hope you continue blogging!
-Chloe
Hi Chloe!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Samantha, and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I enjoyed reading your recent blog about visiting the Aps. I can tell that you enjoyed your visit, and you got some great images to go great with your blog. I have never seen a Chumash Ap, and now thanks to you I have! Keep up the great blogging!
Dear Samantha,
DeleteThank you for the fascinating comment! You said you are a student at the University of South Alabama. Are you in Dr. Strang's class?
You were right, I did enjoy my trip, and would love to go again.
Would you want to live in a ap? (I got that question from Mrs. Yollis.)
Sincerely,
Chloe
Dear Chloe,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating blog about the Chumash Ap. It really tought me a lot that I didn't know. I have never seen a Chumash Ap before. I also loved how detailted your writting is. Hope you do much more!
Sincerely,
Your Cousin Abby
Dear Abbey,
DeleteThank you for the fabulous comment! I'm happy my post taught you facts about the Chumash! :-)
I never knew that you have never seen an 'ap. Would you like to visit one?
Sincerely,
Chloe
Hi Chloe,
ReplyDeleteThis is Grandpa Lanny. Emi from your class is my granddaughter. I live in Ojai with my wife Rondia. I know exactly where this 'ap is. In fact, I know the Chumash woman who built it. Well, she didn't build it all herself but she told all the helpers how to do it. Her name is Julie Tumamait-Stenslie. All her life she has been learning about her Chumash culture, starting with her father Vincent Tumamait. Now she visits schools and shares her tribe's history. Right now we're visiting Emi but when I get home I will post a photo of her. Emi is showing me how to post on the 365 Blog so watch for it there.
Sincerely,
Grandpa Lanny
(Emilyn's grandfather)