Research

Tomols were meticulously crafted from redwood planks, bound together with plant fibers, and sealed with natural tar. Their design enabled Chumash seafarers to navigate coastal waters of the Channel Islands with remarkable skill and efficiency. 

Beyond their practical utility, tomols played a vital role in Chumash spirituality, ceremonies, and social life. They were revered as symbols of community, unity, and resilience, embodying the Chumash people's deep relationship with the ocean and their environment. 

Efforts to revive and preserve the tradition of tomol construction and navigation serve as a testament to the enduring cultural heritage of the Chumash people. Through initiatives like the Chumash Maritime Association's tomol program, these ancient vessels continue to inspire reverence, pride, and a renewed sense of connection to the rich maritime history of the Chumash people.