census of 1910 returned 29 Indians under this name, and that of 1930 only 9 under the entire Yakonan stock." Culture The Alsea hunted seals and sea lions, fished for salmon, and gathered camas roots. Like many tribes in the area, they flattened the heads of infants. They placed their dead in canoes on isolated land jutting into estuaries. Language Alsea was an Alsean language very closely related to Yaquina. By 1910, it was almost extinct, with fewer than six people having a speaking knowledge of the language. Religion Very little is known about Alsea religion. It is thought to be similar to that of the Coos. Alsea shamans promoted good salmon runs and the Alsea appealed to animal spirits and powers in nature for aid. Arts The Alsea wore robes of seal skin, wove baskets and made grass raincoats. References Further reading Leo J. Frachtenberg, "Myths of the Alsea Indians of Northwestern Oregon," International Journal of American Linguistics, vol. 1, no. 1 (July 1917), pp. 64–75. In JSTOR. List of Native American peoples in the United States Native American tribes in Oregon Alsean languages Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Benton County, Oregon Lincoln County, Oregon Alsea River