Surviving on the Island: Chapter 25

Sun-dried meat of green abalone on San Clemente Island, 1913. Photographer unknown.

As the seasons change, Karana thinks the Aleuts might return to hunt otters. She prepares by storing food and weapons so that she can move to safety on other parts of the island, should the need arise. Karana and Rontu go to Tall Rock to catch fish for Won-a-nee and other otters that they know.

Late that summer Rontu dies. Karana buries him in a grave on the headland.

Fact Check: Dog Burials

Did the native islanders hold formal burials for their dogs?

What do we know?
Dog burials have been found on San Nicolas Island and other Channel Islands. The manner and location of the dog burials suggest that the animals’ internment was accompanied by ceremony and ritual. 

What is the evidence?
Primary source: This photo shows Dr. René Vellanoweth excavating a dog burial site on San Nicolas Island. 

Secondary source: In Voices from the Field, Dr. René Vellanoweth discusses island dog burials.

Voices from the Field

Dr. René Vellanoweth, professor of anthropology, California State University, Los Angeles, discusses the dog burials he has found on San Nicolas Island.

Photos & Multimedia

Photo: This double dog burial was found at the Tule Creek Village site on San Nicolas Island in 2006. Courtesy of Department of Anthropology, California State University, Los Angeles.

Teacher Resources

Writing Prompts and Lesson Plans