Rare Fort Tejon Reservation Basket Circa 1850's-1870's

Fort Tejon Polychrome Bottleneck Olla Circa 1850's-1870's with Diamondback rattlesnake bands motifs.

In 1851 in a region just north of Los Angeles, California the Fort Tejon Indian Reservation was established by the Tejon Treaty of 1851.  Some of the bands of the Chumash to the near west as well the Yokuts from the near north (Fresno-Bakersfield central valley region) and the Kawaiisu from the desert regions to the east were  relocated to this reservation to better enable American expansionist policy in the West. Seven tribal cultures known to be relocated to this "central site" were:

1. Chumash bands from the Santa Barbara coastline and moved to Fort Tejon along Tashlipun Creek.

2. Tecuya Chumash (from the coastline to the west)

3. Kastac Chumash (from Castac Lake --now referrrred to as Tejon Lake)

4. Moowaykuk Chumash

5. Kitanemuk (an Uto-Aztecan linguistic group people)

6. Kawaiisu

7. Yokuts

This basket contains characteristics of more than one tribal influence--especially those of Chumash and Yokuts cultures, which would have been found together only at Fort Tejon.

Basket characteristics:

Both rod (Chumash-style) and bundle (Yokuts style) in foundation materials.

Juncus and sumac exterior weaving materials as the Chumash used.

Yokuts style rattlesnake band motifs and bottleneck form.

Conservative early style form and motif most consistent with the circa 1850's-1970's early period at Fort Tejon.

7"x11". Price on request.