Before Europeans, California was inhabited by many native tribes. Each tribe had its own set of religious beliefs. Then, missionaries from south of California (and originally from Europe) brought the religion of Christianity.
Klamath Indian. ca. 1885. Photographer unknown. Collection of Oakland Museum of California.
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Christian Clothes in the Field
Notice the skirt
Northern California Indians, Daisy and Lena, six months after the missionaries came. ca. 1885. Photographer unknown. Gelatin silver print. Collection of Oakland Museum of California.
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Women
Dresses
Americae Pars VIII: Franciscus Draco. 1599. Theodore De Bry, artist. Engraving on paper. Collection of Oakland Museum of California. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Power through the courtesy of the Nova Albion Foundation.
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Depiction of Natives
The missionaries often described natives as savages.
Santiago in battle. 17th century. Unknown artist. Oil paint on canvas. Collection of Oakland Museum of California.
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Missionary as Hero
Bringing Christianity was a major goal of European colonialism.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis. 1777. Artist unknown. Postcard. Collection of Oakland Museum of California. Gift of Mrs. James Cardle.
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Missions
Land was taken from natives to build missions all across California.
