Description
Over four thousand years ago, the Patwin Indians were the first inhabitants of the area now known as the City of West Sacramento. These Native Americans established villages on the west bank of the Sacramento River and their members often numbered in the hundreds. The Patwin were bordered by the Yuki in the northwest; the Nomlaki (Wintun) in the north; the Konkow (Maidu) in the northeast; the Nisenan (Maidu) and Plains Miwok in the east; the Bay Miwok to the south; the Coast Miwok in the southwest; and the Wappo, Lake Miwok, and Pomo in the west. he "Southern Patwins" have historically lived between what is now Suisun, Vacaville, and Putah Creek. By 1800, the Spanish and other European settlers forced them into small tribal units.
Language
Patwin (Patween) is a critically endangered Wintuan language of Northern California.
Culture
The Patwin Indians took advantage of the abundant natural resources offered by the land and water that surrounded them. They hunted and fished; they also crafted baskets, fishing nets, boats, and rafts from willows, tough grasses, and vines. All of their needs were provided by their environment. A wide variety of animals were gathered or hunted by the Patwin. Using bone harpoons and nets, the Patwin fished for salmon, perch, and suckerfish. A number of mammals were hunted for food or furs. These included deer, elk, antelope, black bears and rarely grizzly bears, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, wolves, beavers, and young skunks. They used birds – crow, eagle, quail, turtles, angleworms, and grasshoppers. They did not eat dogs, coyote, condor, vulture, frog, lizards, snakes, or caterpillars.