The Tongva were forced onto Spanish missionaries to learn about Christianity and the European lifestyle. The Tongva lived in shelters called "kiches". The "kiche" was dome-shaped. The frame was made of willow branches and was covered with mats made with reeds, grasses, or animal hides. The Tongva lived in villages with as many as 400–500 "kiches". A chief lived in the largest "kiche" and had almost total authority over the village. The position was passed down through the chief’s family.