Miwok Social Life

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with a layer of pine needles. About 8-15 feet in diameter, these homes were small. They did not bathe, but instead sat in sweat houses until they sweat the smell off and then ran out and jumped in a cold stream (Chilly Willy). Most slept on Deerskins, but a few slept on willow frames lifting them only inches from the ground, while the chief slept on a bearskin. The fire, at the center of each U-ma-cha, was used for cooking and heat. It was vital to have this fire burning constantly. There was also a ceremonial sweat house used for special ceremonies. This had a roof of 5 inches thick and was in the center of the village.

The foods the Miwoks ate are also another step. With plentiful amounts of food in the Yosemite Valley, the Miwok stayed where they were. With out the need to move about in a nomadic fashion, their villages grew. This meant for a large need of food. Their main food was acorns. The women prepared this by cracking and shelling the acorns, then drying them. After ...

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