Often described as a "wild woman" by reporters, Juana Maria became something of a local attraction for the people in and around Santa Barbara. They flocked to the already bustling mission, hoping to get a glimpse at the near-mythical "Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island." According to California Missions, she also enjoyed receiving visitors like local priests.
Visitors who came to gawk at her sometimes saw her perform traditional songs and dances from San Nicolas Island, reportedly to the delight of young children. Yet, no one understood her beyond what could be established through gestures and the rare word shared between Juana Maria and other native language speakers. Still, something of her language might just survive.
According to the National Park Service, one native Chumash man named Melquiades claimed to have learned a "toki toki" song from Juana Maria. He taught it to Fernando Librado, a fellow Chumash, who then sang for a 1913 wax cylinder recording made by anthropologist John Peabody Harrington. Given the years and two people that separate the recording from Juana Maria herself, it's not certain that she really sang it. However, the mixed feelings of sadness and joy said to be expressed in the song are certainly in line with what Juana Maria herself must have felt as she adjusted to life at Mission Santa Barbara.
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