Create a diorama depicting daily life in a California Indian tribe. Choose a tribe, such as the Chumash, Karok or Yuki and research day-to-day activities, selecting one activity for the diorama. Using an empty shoebox, paint the bottom either a light blue for daytime or dark blue for night, turning the box on its side. Craft a small tepee from cardboard paper, gluing it to the bottom of the box. Place tribespeople in various poses such as cooking a meal over a fire, skinning animals for clothing or food, or feeding families. Glue larger items toward the back and smaller ones in the front for correct size and space interpretation. Present the diorama in class.
Totem poles were used by Indian tribes as an expression of clan culture, family, or for tales of legend and folklore. Have students create their own family totem poles in homage to the California tribes in history. Using construction paper, draw faces depicting family members on each sheet. Students can embellish with decorations or color in the faces. Using a cardboard paper towel tube, tape or glue faces on the totem pole, with the head of the family on the bottom. Add pictures of any family pets. Draw a bird for the top of the totem pole, complete with wings, and attach. Students may present these in class for show-and-tell.
Legend has it that dreamcatchers were used by Indian tribes, like the Mojave Indians, for catching dreams, good or bad, and protecting the dreamer from the outcome. Craft a dreamcatcher using a small Styrofoam ring. Using yarn of any color, cut a 5 to 6 foot piece and weave this around and across the Styrofoam ring, making a web-like pattern in the middle and adding beads or feathers, if desired. When done, cut three pieces of yarn 5 inches long, tying this to the bottom of the dreamcatcher. Decorate with beads or feathers. Have students present finished dreamcatchers in class.
Known for being a peaceful tribe, the Pumo Indians were also known for their intricate baskets. These baskets were used for storage and hauling of foods for the Pumo diet. Using pre-made baskets from a crafts store or used ones brought from home, have students decorate baskets with feathers, like the Pumo, adding colorful fabrics and shells as decoration. Students can also add items to the basket depicting a traditional Pumo diet such as nuts, fish, acorns, berries, and rabbit.