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The Makah Tribe and their whaling
history: Answers to questions
Where do the Makah Tribe live?
The Makah Tribal Reservation is centered around Neah Bay, and area of
exceptional and rugged beauty that is isolated and difficult to get to.
Only one winding road leads in and out of Neah Bay. The Makah Tribe are
coastal people with a strong heritage of the sea. Once prosperous, over
time the Tribe has seen its fortunes decline. Today unemployment is over
70% and there are few opportunities locally. Neah Bay, the Reservation town
is a small community. There is no hospital and few facilities. The sick
must be cared for in either Port Angeles (2 hours away) or Seattle (5 hours
away).
How big is the Tribe?
The Tribe numbers around 2500, and about 1300-1500 of these live on
the Reservation in Neah Bay itself
Did the Makah always whale?
The Makah Tribe lived by the sea and once enjoyed a bountiful harvest
from the ocean. Farming was not a strong part of their culture. In the 19th
and early 20th Century they were whalers, and traded whale products. In
1856 they sold $8,000 worth of whale oil. The Tribe stopped whaling around
1926 because California Gray Whales were almost extinct.
How did they hunt?
Members of the Tribe acted as sentries and alerted the whalers when
whales were spotted along the coast. Immediately, whaling teams set out
in 36 foot cedar canoes. Harpooning a whale was a privilege reserved for
the chief or his son. Makah made harpoons out of elk antlers or yew with
sharpened mussel shells on the tip. One hundred foot lines with inflated
sealskin floats were attached to the harpoon, and these served to slow the
whales down as they bled to death. As soon as a harpooned whale weakened,
whalers jumped in the water and sewed its mouth shut to prevent it from
sinking when it died. The whale was then towed to shore and butchered. The
arrival of the whale was greeted with songs and dances. The Makah considered
the dead whale an honored guest
What did they do with the whale?
Whaling was a commercial enterprise, and many parts were sold, particularly
whale oil. In 1856 the Makah sold $8000 worth of whale oil. The appeared
to have avoided the meat as it spoiled rapidly.
If you are interested in getting involved in this project and want to assist volunteer opportunities are available, please contact us via the web or call Dr. Brosnan at SEI 503-246-5008
