Last Updated on May 24, 2024 by Dennis
The Gabrielino Indians, named after the San Gabriel Mission in Los Angeles County, were also known as Kizh, Playsanos, Tobikhars, and Tumangamalum. Their closest relatives were the Fernandeno, and both groups were part of the California branch of the Shoshonean Division of the Uto-Aztecan stock. The Gabrielino inhabited the drainage area of the San Gabriel River, the Los Angeles region, and southward into Orange County, including Santa Catalina Island and likely San Clemente Island. They established numerous villages, such as Ahau near the Los Angeles River, Akura near San Gabriel Mission, and Pimu on Santa Catalina Island. In 1770, their population, including the Fernandeno and Nicoleno, was estimated at around 5,000, but they are now nearly extinct.
Gabrielino Indians. Derived from San Gabriel, one of the two missions in Los Angeles County. Also called:
- Kizh, reported by Gatschet (1876) ; Hale (1846) has Kij.
- Playsanos, a name which seems to be applied to the California Shoshoneans living in the lowlands, especially near the coast in the region of Los Angeles.
- Tobikhars, said to mean “settlers,” but probably from Tobohar, the mythical first man.
- Tumangamalum, Luiseiio name.
Gabrielino Connections
The nearest connections of the Gabrielino were the Fernandeno; both belonged to the California branch of the Shoshonean Division of the Uto-Aztecan stock.
Gabrielino Location
In the drainage area of the San Gabriel River, the territory about Los Angeles, and all the country southward to include half of Orange County, also Santa Catalina Island and probably San Clemente.
Gabrielino Villages
- Ahau, near Los Angeles River north of Long Beach.
- Akura, near San Gabriel Mission.
- Akura-nga, at La Presa.
- Aleupki-nga, at Santa Anita.
- Apachia, just east of Los Angeles.
- Asuksa, west of Azusa.
- Awi, between Pomona and the San Gabriel River.
- Chokish-nga, at Jaboneria.
- Chowi, near San Pedro.
- Engva, near Redondo.
- Hout, south of San Gabriel Mission.
- Hutuk, inland on Santa Ana River.
- Isantka-nga, at Mission Vieja.
- Kinki or Kinkipar, on San Clemente Island.
- Kukamo, southwest of Cucamonga Peak.
- Lukup, near the mouth of Santa Ana River.
- Masau, on the coast near San Pedro.
- Moyo, on the coast south of the mouth of Santa Ana River.
- Nakau-nga, at Carpenter’s.
- Pahav, southeast of Corona.
- Pasino, southeast of Pomona.
- Pimoka-nga, at Rancho de los Ybarras.
- Pimu or Pipimar, on Santa Catalina Island.
- Pubu, inland on San Gabriel River, east of Long Beach.
- Saan, on the coast south of Santa Monica.
- Sehat, inland near the middle course of San Gabriel River.
- Shua, near Long Beach.
- Siba, at San Gabriel Mission.
- Sisitkan-nga, at Pear Orchard.
- Sona-nga, at White’s.
- Sua-nga, near Long Beach.
- Tibaha, north of Long Beach between Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers.
- Toibi, at Pomona.
- Wenot, at Los Angeles.
Gabrielino Population. Kroeber (1925) estimates 5,000 Gabrielino, Fernandeno, and Nicoleno in 1770; they are now practically extinct.
