Chaw'se Indian Grinding Rock, Bark House poster

16" x 22" Bark House poster. This colorful artist's rendition of the traditional dwelling of the Sierra and Coastal Miwok Indians is a colorful reminder of California before the Gold Rush. It is an effective teaching tool or an attractive picture when matted and framed. "In the mountain areas, the U'macha [Miwok word for bark house] was the most common form of house large enough for one family. The conical structure was made from a framework of wooden poles held together with wild grapevines. This structure was the covered with Incense Cedar bark. A hole in the top allowed smoke from the cooking fire to escape. In the winter the door was covered with animal skins or large slabs of cedar bark. A thick layer of pine needles made a comfortable floor. The U'macha was used mostly during the winter months. During the summer, most activities took place outdoors."