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Introduction to Life on the Coast. There were many villages along the Pacific coast because there was always a rich supply of food and resources nearby. Scallops, clams, lobster and crayfish were common seafood for coastal people. The Ipai and Tipai sailed in tule rafts (woven reed boats) and plank canoes with double bladed paddles. Fishing was done using a weir, net, and occasionally hook and line. Agave fiber was used for fish traps. Cactus thorns were tied or glued with pinon gum onto long sticks to spear fish. Metates and grinding bowls along the coast were made of sandstone; although hard rock was preferred. Indians from the North brought soapstone in exchange for Kumeyaay goods. Soapstone, which came from the Channel Islands, was a particularly desirable rock. It could be easily shaped for tools, weapons and pipes. It was also used as a cooking pot because it withstood heat so well.
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