Ohlone Tule Boat

Replica Ohlone tule boats in Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont, California.

materials

Dried Tules

Twine

methods

Traditional stone tools can be used to cut tules.

Fresh-cut tules.

Tules drying in preparation in a purpose-built structure. Dried tules are bundled together on the top shelf.

Diorama exhibiting tule boat in use.

Tule boat on display at the California Academy of Sciences.

Resources

This was taught to me by Dino Labiste, a Naturalist with the East Bay Regional Parks District in a class entitled, "Ohlone Tools and Games for Your Classroom." While it appears this class is no longer being taught, a resource page can be found on the East Bay Regional Parks website.

Lesson plan adapted by Heather Taylor, teachoutside@gmail.com. You are welcome to share all materials with credit to her.