Building a Chumash Tomol with Redwood

A few months ago, we got a call from Steven Villa, a Chumash elder with a deep passion for preserving his tribe's traditions. He told us about the tomol, the traditional plank canoe that the Chumash people have been building and using for thousands of years. These boats weren't just a way to travel—they were central to trade, fishing, and cultural connection, allowing the Chumash to navigate the ocean and link their coastal villages with the Channel Islands.

The tomol is a sacred craft, built with clear heart redwood, which makes up only 3-4% of a redwood tree. It's rare, but it's also perfect for boat building because of its strength, lightweight nature, and resistance to water. Steven and his team were working on a new tomol project and needed just the right wood.

We had several long conversations to understand exactly what they were looking for. Then, we set out to find the best logs for the job.

Finding the Perfect Redwood

This part wasn't easy. The quality had to be just right—many boards didn't meet the exact standards needed for a tomol. But we kept at it. Eventually, we found shorter pieces that would work for the first of three boats.

For the remaining two, we were incredibly fortunate to find a perfectly suitable redwood tree. Soon after, Steven and the Chumash chief came up to personally select the boards, carefully choosing what would become the foundation of their next tomol. They took the wood back, and the building process began.

Bringing the Tomol to Life

Once dried, the planks were shaped and fitted onto a custom-built form to ensure the right curves and proportions. The Chumash builders then used yop, a traditional sealant made from pine pitch and asphaltum, to bind and waterproof the boat.

One of the most beautiful traditions in tomol-making is the addition of glittering particles to the pitch. Historically, the Chumash used finely ground abalone shell, which shimmered in the sunlight and symbolized the stars guiding their journeys. Today, some builders use epoxy instead of pitch for added durability, but they continue the tradition of adding glitter—honoring the connection between sea and sky.

A Tradition That Lives On

Now, the first tomol is complete, and we couldn't be more honored to have played a small part in bringing this project to life. Seeing the wood transform into a piece of living history has been an incredibly rewarding experience—one that connects the past to the present and keeps a rich tradition alive.

We're also looking forward to continuing this journey, providing the redwood for the next two tomols. These boats aren't just vessels—they carry the stories, resilience, and culture of the Chumash people across generations.

At Out of the Woods Mill, we feel privileged to support meaningful projects like this, where tradition and craftsmanship come together to create something truly special.

Want to learn more about the history and legacy of redwood? Visit us at Out of the Woods Mill—we'd love to share the story.

Chumash tomol, Native American canoe, clear heart redwood, local wood source, community relationships, Sustainable wood, reclaimed wood, wood milling, local sawmill, Chumash tribe