Life of the Makah Tribe

The Makah tribe lived in the northwest, where the state of Washington is now. They were richer than most other Native American tribes because they had many natural resources.

The Makah lived mainly by fishing. They caught a lot of fish, especially salmon, and traded some with other tribes for furs and other goods. Men fished with spears and nets. As soon as they caught the salmon, women cleaned the fish with knives made from mussel shells and hung the fish over the fire to smoke. The heat and smoke dried the fish and kept it from spoiling.

The Makah believed that animals and people were connected. They thought that the fish they caught were their guests. After using the salmon, they put the bones back into the water or along the river. They believed the salmon would return home after visiting the Makah. They also believed that fish allowed themselves to be caught to help the people.

Other tribes were often poorer than the Makah. These tribes helped each other because there was not always enough food for everyone.