Quileute Tribe History

Many people may find it difficult to give justice in uttering the word Quileute.  The right way of saying it is ˈkwɪlijuːt.  Still, many may possibly misunderstood the way of life of the Quileute Tribe History.   That is why, in this age where the internet is a friend when it comes to researching topics, it is a big help to provide articles that aims to correct the perception of people.

The history of the Quileute Tribe throbs in rich culture and diverse culture.   The tribe is Native American in origin.   They started to settle in the western part of the Olympic Peninsula after signing the Treaty of Quinault River of 1855 which was later known as the Treaty of Olympia in 1856. To be more specific, they reside at the mouth of the Quillayute River in the Washington State Clallam County.

Conquest and expeditions did not spare the natives. But history says the Quileute tribe relied much on fishing to stay alive. In addition to that, they built plank houses to serve as protection from the unpredictable weather and climate conditions. They were known to be once great whalers and excellent boat makers. They also exude craftsmanship manifested by their fine baskets could hold water and the waterproof skirts and hats made of cedar as shield against the heavy rainfall in the region.

Linguistically, the Quileute tribe belongs to the Chimakuan family of languages which is shared by the Northwest Coast indigenous people.   One interesting thing to point out about Quileute language is one of the only five known languages that do not consist of nasal sounds.  Not much could be known about the Quileute during earlier times simply because they had no formal writing.   This means that every story, and nugget of wisdom that they had were communicated orally from generation to generation. Alterations, omissions, and data fabrication were done. Many versions of the original were made. This is also the dilemma of most, if not all, civilizations on earth.

The Quileute tribe is also engrossed with the supernatural. It has been said that the first Quileute was formed from a wolf.   The same theme is evident in Stephanie Meyer’s ‘Twilight’ series bestseller where characters such as Jacob Black, who is Quileute in origin, take the form and shape of a wolf.   Conflict with Indian tribes is very apparent in Quileute legend.   Defensive and offensive mechanisms were stated in the legends to protect the Quileute tribe from harm.   According to legend, a Quileute can transmutate wolves into Indians.

The tribe used to pray to the sun and the tsikati or universe.   They also practice spot latch, tattooing, and the art of head flattening.   Originally, they would bury the dead above ground and all memories of the dead person would be destroyed.   But later on, they would put the body of the dead in a canoe and send it out to sea.   It seems that all of these are proofs that the Quileute tribe became less attuned to their beliefs and traditions after the European conquests.