Description
The Atsugewi are Native Americans residing in northeastern California, United States. Their traditional lands are near Mount Shasta, specifically the Pit River drainage on Burney, Hat, and Dixie Valley or Horse Creeks. They are closely related to the Achomawi and consisted of two groups (the Atsuge and the Apwaruge). The Atsuge ("pine-tree people") traditionally are from the Hat Creek area, and the Apwaruge ("juniper-tree people") are from the Dixie Valley. They lived to the south of the Achomawi. The Atsugewi lived a relatively peaceful albeit difficult life prior to European contact. They traded with neighboring tribes, bartering so that each group had sufficient resources to meet their needs. They were especially industrious, and prized wealth. When Europeans first arrived, they were able to relate to them through trade.
Language
The Atsugewi language is a Palaihnihan language. As of 1994, an estimated three people spoke Atsugewi. The majority of the tribe speaks English.
Culture
The Atsugewi traditionally lived by hunting and gathering and lived in small groups without centralized political authority. There was a cultural division into two smaller bands, based on the area of habitation. Inhabitants of Hat Creek were known as the "pine tree people" or Atsuge. In turn the residents of Apwariwa or Dixie Valley were known as the "juniper tree people" or Mahuopani; or by the more common Apwaruge, named after the valley itself. The Atsugewi lived by hunting and gathering, and lived in small groups without centralized political authority. Their villages were organized into autonomous "tribelets" which consisted of a central village and a number of satellites. Industriousness was considered the greatest virtue. Living in a harsh environment with long, snowy winters made it important that everyone work hard to sustain the group. Wealth was measured in terms of furs, beads, and buckskin.