What did the Mono Indians eat?

The Mono Indians, like many other indigenous groups in California, were highly skilled gatherers and hunters. Their diet varied greatly depending on the season and location, but generally included:

Plant Foods:

* Acorns: A staple food, Mono people used acorns for flour, mush, and bread after leaching out the bitter tannins.

* Seeds: They collected seeds from various plants like wild grasses, sunflower, and clover.

* Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and serviceberries were seasonal treats.

* Nuts: Pine nuts, walnuts, and buckeyes were also part of their diet.

* Roots: They dug up roots of various plants, including wild onions, camas bulbs, and cattail roots.

* Mushrooms: Different varieties of mushrooms were collected in the appropriate seasons.

Animal Foods:

* Deer: Deer were hunted with bows and arrows, providing meat, hides, and bones for tools.

* Rabbit: Rabbits were trapped or hunted and provided a good source of protein.

* Fish: They fished for salmon, trout, and other species in local rivers and lakes.

* Birds: Birds like quail, grouse, and ducks were hunted for meat.

* Insects: Grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars were eaten as a source of protein.

Other:

* Honey: They harvested honey from native bees.

* Grubs: Grubs were collected from trees and eaten.

Seasonality:

The Mono Indians' diet changed drastically throughout the year. In the spring, they relied on the abundance of wild greens and berries. Summer brought fish and birds, while fall was the season for acorns and nuts. During the winter, they relied on dried and stored food and hunted animals.

Important Note: The Mono people had a deep understanding of the natural world and practiced sustainable hunting and gathering techniques. Their diet was diverse and provided them with all the necessary nutrients for a healthy life.