Every Tomol Breathes the Same Breath of the Sun that We Do

Topics: Exhibitions / California Native Communities / California Missions

A wooden paddle with a wide, flat blade featuring three triangular mother-of-pearl inlays, and a long, smooth handle wrapped with woven material near the blade.
Four people paddle a wooden canoe on calm, misty water, each wearing life jackets and hats. The sky and background are foggy, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

By Tom Lopez (Santa Ynez and Tipu Rancheria–Northern Chumash)

Revitalizing the tomol has brought our community together in many ways. We have tomols that are built by our people who are extremely talented wood workers. We work together and repair our tomols and make new paddles.

Every year we have our annual channel crossing to Limuw. We will have paddling practices on the weekends and all community members are invited. We start every practice with all of us gathered in a circle. Chumash prayers, offerings and songs in our language. We share stories, food, and games.  

We all contribute in some way to keeping our history alive. Through our efforts our history has remained alive. Many of our elders lead by example. Our youth have become the language speakers, the singers and dancers. We have artists who excel in the making of our regalia and other cultural items.

The tomol was first seen by Europeans in 1542, over 400 years ago. To still paddle is an honor to our history. It’s physically demanding, and it can be spiritual too. This is our world, true California history. I will always be a part of this, so that our children can identify who they are.

Reclaiming El Camino

Land Acknowledgment

The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

Autry Museum of the American West

4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
In Griffith Park across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
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Free parking for Autry visitors.


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The cafe is temporarily closed until further notice.