Chimariko (from Djimaliko, the name they apply to themselves; derived from
(djimar 'man'). A small tribe, comprising the Chimarikan family, formerly on
Trinity River, near the mouth of New River, Northern California, extending from
Hawkins Bar to about Big Bar, and probably along lower New River; they adjoined the Hupa
downstream and the Winton upstream. The Chimariko first became known to the
whites on the influx of miners about 1850. They were then a small tribe,
friendly with the Hupa and the neighboring Shastan tribes, but at war with the
Winton of Hay fork of Trinity River. In 1903 they numbered only 9 individuals,
including 'mixed bloods, who lived scattered from Hupa up Trinity River, and on
New River, among Indians of other tribes, and among the whites (Goddard, MS., Univ.
Cal.). In general culture the Chimariko were much like their neighbors to the
north west, the Hupa, though they are said to have lacked canoes, and
did not practice the deerskin dance of the Hupa and Yurok. They appear to have lived
largely on salmon and eels caught, in Trinity Tibrt, and on vegetal foods,
especially acorns. Like the other tribes of north west California, they had no political
organization or divisions other than villages, one of which was
at or near Hawkins Bar, others at Burnt Ranch, Taylor's Flat, and Big Bar, and
probably at other places, though their names for these settlements are not known
with certainty.
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