FROM: "MADERA" MADERA COUNTY DIAMOND JUBILEE COMMITTEE AND MADERA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY BY Charles W. Clough Miwok Culture -Continued Part -2- The house that was burned in 1893 has been described as a work of art and efficiency put together with great aboriginal skill. The poles were bound together with rawhide thongs, and the sides and roof were strengthened with bark and hides which was an improvement over those reported in other areas. The house was burned, in accordance with tribal custom, upon the death of the chief and last Captain that reigned during that era. An estimated 1,500 Miwoks came from all points for many miles around to join in the ritual. Their chant and the jarring rhythm of their dance could be heard throughout the valley. At 3:00 A.M. the torch was put to the Round House and a nearby elaborate wigwam about one-fifth the size of the house. It is said that this hour was chosen to escape the prying eyes of unfriendly white people. Upon word from the new chief, mourning ceased and a gay, friendly meeting of the tribe followed. The tribe was inactive for nine years until Captain John Coe Chitta, arbitrator and peacemaker, beloved to all Indians, rallied support for construction of a new Round House. Construction started in mid-summer of 1903, and was completed before Christmas for its first roaring fandango or dance. The 1903 Round House is 40 feet in diameter. It was constructed of poles cut and hauled from Captain Jim Rohans 80-acre allotment three miles to the north. Rohan and Johnny Jacobs hauled all the material and directed the building. Other Indians who worked on it included Chief Peter Westfall, his sons Johnny and Eff, Jim and Sam Johnson, Charles Rohan, Frank Tex, Johnny Gibbs and Ben Jacobs. There were many more but their names are forgotten. Many of the details of the early Miwok culture have been lost due to the high death rate during the early days of the white man. Those who survived the disease and wrath of the invader were not always well informed on tribal customs, or for other reasons failed to carry on the rituals and customs of their forefathers. There is an Indian cemetery near the Round House. It also is on private property. The marble headstones mark the graves of: Graves Identified by Marble Headstones in Photo Charles J. Rohan,1879-1964, Banjo Graham, 1884-1963, Chief Fremont James, 1892 Graves Identified by Crosses in photo Melvin and Russell Kipp Note--This was published in 1968. -End-