Historic color drawing of three Ohlone people in a tule canoe. The first and third figures (male, naked) are paddling; the smaller middle figure huddles, wearing a white garment. Hills are visible in the background. Writing on the bottom of the piece reads “Bateau du Port de St. Francisco”
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Ohlone peoples built canoes of tule reeds harvested from the bay marshes and creeksides.

The tule is exceptionally buoyant and a well-made boat will remain watertight the course of several trips.

Ludvik [Louis] Choris (1795 – 1828)

Drawing

Image courtesy of California Historical Society, FN-30512

Please contact History San José for permission to copy or publish this image.
Email: research@historysanjose.org

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