The Makahs

In the Northwest Coast region,

the climate was not good for farming. Native people were hunters, fishermen and traders. They depended on the Columbia River

and the Pacific Ocean

for much of their food. They fished for salmon,

sea otters,

whales,and other fish.

Most Northwest Coastal tribes captured only beached whales. The Makahs lived on the Northwest Coast.

They hunted whales at sea.

Makah whale hunters spent months preparing for the whale hunt. They made new wooden harpoons from long spears with sharp shell points. They carefully repaired their canoes and paddles. Before each hunt the whale hunters fasted and prayed to their gods.

Makah whaling canoes were made of wood.

They were six feet wide and could carry 60 people. The Makahs hunted the gray whale. The whale hunters traveled 20 miles out to sea to catch the whale.

The Makahs did not waste any part of the gray whale. They ate the whale meat and skin. Ropes and bags were made from different parts of the whale body. Whale oil was burned as fuel.