DIEGUEO

also called San Diegueo, a group of Yuman-speaking Indians who originally inhabited large areas extending on both sides of what is now the U.S.Mexican border in California and Baja California. They were named after the mission of San Diego. Diegueo culture reflected similarities with its neighbours the Luiseo to the north and other Yuman nations to the east, such as the Mojave (see Yuman). Diegueo social organization was based upon lineage, each apparently associated with a particular location. The lineage chief led ceremonies. The diet staples of coastal Diegueo were fish and mollusks. Inland, some Diegueo engaged in agriculture. Their houses consisted of poles supporting a roof of brush and earth. They made baskets, pottery, and containers made of string substances. Although many Diegueo religious practices paralleled those of the Luiseo, the world views of the two differed. Whereas the Luiseo were mystics, the Diegueo were more interested in the solid and visible in life. Like most other California Indians with missions placed in their midst, the Diegueo resisted the Christianizing efforts of the Spanish Franciscans; they even attacked the San Diego mission. Conversions came slowly and were not extensive. In the late 20th century about 700 Diegueo descendants remained in communities near San Diego. See also Mission Indians.