Esselen

The Esselen people are a Native American tribe that has lived in the coastal region of central California for thousands of years. Their traditional territory spans from the Carmel River valley in the north to the Big Sur coast in the south, encompassing the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains and the coastal redwood forests. This article delves into the history, customs, and way of life of the Esselen people as of the year 1880.
Origins and Early History
The Esselen people are believed to have inhabited their traditional territory for several millennia. Their history predates the arrival of European explorers and settlers to the Americas. They are thought to be closely related to other native groups in the region, such as the Ohlone and Salinan peoples.
Society and Way of Life
The Esselen people were hunter-gatherers, relying on the abundant resources of their coastal environment for sustenance. They hunted deer, elk, and smaller game, fished in the rivers and ocean, and gathered various plant resources, such as acorns, seeds, and berries. Their diet was rich and diverse, reflecting the bounty of their natural surroundings.
Esselen society was organized into small, semi-nomadic bands or family groups, each consisting of a few dozen individuals. They moved seasonally within their territory, following the availability of resources. The Esselen people constructed temporary dwellings made of tule reeds or redwood bark, which provided shelter during their seasonal migrations.
The Esselen people were skilled artisans, crafting a variety of tools and objects from the materials available to them. They made baskets, pottery, and clothing from plant fibers and animal skins, and fashioned hunting and fishing tools from wood, bone, and stone.
Spirituality and Rituals
The Esselen people practiced a form of animistic spirituality, believing that all living things and natural elements possessed spirits. They performed rituals and ceremonies to honor these spirits and maintain a harmonious relationship with the natural world. The Esselen people also believed in a creator spirit and a complex cosmology that explained the origins and order of the world.

European Contact and Subsequent Decline
The Esselen people first encountered Europeans in the late 18th century, when Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived in their territory. With the establishment of the Spanish mission system, the Esselen people were forced to abandon their traditional way of life, convert to Christianity, and submit to Spanish rule. Many Esselen people died due to the introduction of new diseases and the harsh conditions they faced under the mission system.
By the mid-19th century, the Esselen people had suffered significant population decline and cultural disruption. The arrival of American settlers and the California Gold Rush further exacerbated their plight, as they lost access to their traditional lands and resources.
The Esselen People in 1880
By the year 1880, the Esselen people faced considerable challenges to their survival and the preservation of their cultural heritage. Some Esselen individuals still lived in their traditional territory, striving to maintain their customs and way of life amidst the rapidly changing world around them. Others had integrated into the broader society, working in various trades and professions. The resilience and adaptability of the Esselen people are a testament to their enduring spirit and the richness of their cultural heritage.