Lynn Gamble takes on a very complex topic in The Chumash World at European Contactand produces a work that will prove to be an invaluable tool of reference for multiple disciplines. Whether discussing the rituals of the Chumash, daily life, or the role of gender in Chumash society, Gamble pools together her extensive research to clearly illustrate this vastly understudied culture. In this work Gamble provides a highly detailed overview of the daily lives and culture of California’s Chumash Indians. Gamble has extensively researched the previous works on the subject and relies heavily on their interpretations and those of the existing primary sources. Though the work is well written it is not for the casual reader and may prove to be most valuable as assigned reading in graduate level history, archeology and anthropology classes.

In the early sections of the book Gamble takes a detailed and organized look at the environment the Chumash lived in and how this affected every aspect of their life. The research gathered for the population estimates are solid and the elements of their social and economic structure are thoroughly comprehensive. Gamble takes the time to detail the archeological evidence left from each of the early Chumash settlements and provide the unique individual features of each before giving an elegant summary of these communities. Where the work truly stands out however, is in Gamble’s detailed discussion about the daily household and village life of the Chumash. Here Gamble truly excels as she provides thorough detail on everything from the roles of gender, where some leaders are women in Chumash society, to the variety of methods used in the practice of food storage. In this portion of the book no stone is left turned and the work is remarkable.

The aspects of the Chumash economic system are also explored in remarkable detail. The exchange system based on shell beads is more complex than would originally appear, and while it would appear to share some facets with the Native American tribes of the northeast, the research proves that the system of the Chumash has many distinctive features. Some aspects, however, were shared among other regions of California such as trade feasts. These events were mandatory as any chief who refused to attend would be considered hostile and the hosts would declare war on them. The threat of war encouraged chiefs not only to attend, but to also bring suitable materials and goods to participate fully in all aspects of the occasion.

Gamble continues to delve into other facets of the Chumash life by discussing aspects of warfare and society. While this portion of the work is well written and thoroughly explored it appears to not be as fully developed as the sections concerned with economics and exchange or daily life and social structures. Similarly, while there is ample documentation of archeological data to chart the increase in violence in Chumash society it lacks the depth of other sections of the work. This portion of the work, while providing a detailed portrait of this aspect of Chumash life, lacks significant commentary from the author and this contributes to the lack of substance.

While the book is exceptionally detailed and extremely well researched, the flaws of this work are that Gamble lacks new insight on the subject and there is little original analysis. Each chapter is a compilation of previous written material that is occasionally tied together with a summary that states the author’s agreement with the earlier works. Most chapters consisted primarily of extensive citations of previous work on the subject and do not reflect the insights of the author in the clearest manner. Overall my opinion of the work is favorable, as it compiles most previous research into one source, which allows for quick and easy reference on the subject matter. However, the lack of input from the author leaves something to be desired.

While there are some problems with this work, most notably the lack of new input or material on the subject, the value of Gamble’s work should not be overlooked, as the subject of the Chumash Indians is rarely explored in-depth. Where Gamble’s work clearly benefits those interested in the study of the Chumash peoples and their society, it also illustrates that there is a need for more in-depth research into this little studied but incredibly complex and diverse society.

Tags: California  book review  Chumash  Native Americans  history  ethnography