latitude in respect to the shape of the stem and some refinement probably
could be made. Some specimens have well-defined shoulders and are with
stems which contract to a sharp point (pl. 22, _g_, _k_), being
reminiscent of points associated with the Hunting and Canalino cultures of
the Santa Barbara coast. In other instances shoulders are less
well-defined, or the stems terminate in more rounded bases. The lengths
range from 2.7 cm. to 4.2 cm. The materials include basalt, chert,
chalcedony, and obsidian.
_Lozenge points (pl. 22, h, i, l-u)._--Numerically this group constitutes
the largest class of the small projectile points. Were a larger series
present, some refinement of types might be attempted. Of the fourteen
specimens, some tend toward diamond shapes, whereas others border small
leaf or stem forms. Lengths range from 2.5 cm. to 4.1 cm. Materials used
are obsidian, basalt, chert, and quartz.
_Large Blades and Large Points_
The large blades and points collected this season show some variation over
those of last year, both in finishing technique, form, and material.
Frequently, for lack of established terminology, it is difficult to
distinguish between what might be termed a chipped knife, leaf-shaped
blade, or a coarsely made projectile point. We attempt only a rough
breakdown between blades and large points, either of which if hafted could
serve the purpose of a knife. All specimens are illustrated and may be
judged by the observer.
Described below are only those additional specimens collected this year.
For full details the 1950 report should be consulted.
_Large blades (pl. 21, a-g)._--
1. This specimen comes from a depth of 48 to 54 inches, marking the
deepest level from which any blade was taken. Though it shows an old
break, enough remains to offer a computed length. The form is
leaf-shaped and probably pointed at both ends. Computed length, 9.2
cm.; width, 4.6 cm.; thickness, 1.2 cm. Material is basalt (pl. 21,
_b_).
2. Basal half of what was probably a leaf-shaped blade. Incomplete
length, 4.5 cm.; width, 5.4 cm.; and 1.4 cm. thick. Material is basalt
(pl. 21, _c_).
3. Larger half of a basalt blade, showing some attempt to reshape the
broken margin. Incomplete length, 7 cm.; width, 4.5 cm.; and 1.5 cm.
thick (pl. 21, _a_).
4. This chert specimen exhibits the best flaking technique of any
large blades from the Tank Site. Compared with the patinated basalt
examples, considerable contrast exists. Typologically this specimen is
similar to forms typical of the Hunting Culture of the Santa Barbara
coast. Because of its shallow position (6-12 inches), lack of
patination, and flaking technique, we have assigned it to Phase II of
Topanga. The form is a willow leaf with slightly serrated edges.
Length, 14.9 cm.; width, 3.4 cm.; and 1.5 cm. long. Material is a
dark-brown chert (pl. 22, _a_).
_Large points (pl. 21, h-l; pl. 22, b)._--
1. This specimen, like the blade above, also deviates to some degree
from other large points. It is composed of an unaltered obsidian and
comes from the 0-to-6-inch level of the deposit. Because of its
shallow depth and contrastive nature, it has been assigned to Phase
II. The form is leaf-shaped, being more pointed at one end. Length, 7
cm.; width, 3 cm.; and 1.3 cm. thick (pl. 22, _b_).
2. Specimen made from a thin piece of banded, laminated chert.
Shaping was done merely by marginal flaking, as the original surface
shows no working. Coming from a depth of 60 inches, this marks the
greatest depth of any large point. Length, 5.4 cm.; width, 2.8 cm.;
and 5 cm. thick (pl. 21, _j_).
3. Basal fragment of a large blade. This broad, angular base is a
unique occurrence for the Tank Site, though some parallels may be
noted in Lake Mohave specimens. This single piece possesses sharp,
angular shoulders that terminate in a broad, flat, angular base. The
material is a white chert (pl. 21, _k_).
[Illustration: Figure 5. Metate Types]
GROUND OR PECKED STONE
_Manos and Metates_
As heretofore, manos far outnumber metates in the deposit. An explanation
of this inequitable representation of milling stones has already been
discussed in some detail (Treganza and Malamud, 1950; p. 140), _viz._,
that the more rapid wear of the nether stone periodically called for manos
of somewhat varying shapes to conform to the changing contour of the
metate throughout its serviceable life. Proof to substantiate this thesis
is lacking, but it appears to be a reasonable possibility. Also, the
practice of pecking manos to increase the effectiveness of their grinding
surfaces must have resulted in considerable breakage, as judged by the
large number of fragments.
Of 2,556 manos and 329 metates, whole and fragmentary, 962 and 79
respectively, were classifiable. The descriptive categories derived from
the 1947 data proved adequate in defining the limits of variability and
patterning displayed by our recent acquisitions. Some pieces exhibit
technological refinement of types earlier described.
_Metates_
Metates are of three types, called here deep basin, shallow basin, and
flat slab. As was true last season, the material is predominantly
sandstone for all three forms.
_Type I, deep basin (fig. 5, a, c, e)._--These are the most abundant.
Fifteen complete specimens and seventeen fragments were recovered. In both
form and size there exists a close parallel between this type and those
associated with the Oak Grove Culture of the Santa Barbara area.
_Type II, shallow basin (fig. 5, b, d; pl. 18, c right)._--This type is
represented by fifteen complete and eleven fragments.
_Type III, slab (fig. 5, f; pl. 18, c)._--Like type II, the slab metate is
less common, being known only through eleven complete and ten fragmentary
specimens.
The distribution of metates through the deposit was not as random as that
of manos. Many of the complete specimens occur among features or with
burials. Fragments were encountered throughout the excavation, but were
most highly concentrated in features consisting of large aggregates of
stone. No depth table has been presented for metates, as it is assumed
that the mano distribution reflects a more complete picture for these
related tools; however, the deep-basin form seems to occur at the greatest
depth.
_Manos_
Manos and mano fragments were so common in the occupational debris that
their association in features or with burials had little or no
significance. With the exception of scraper planes they were the most
frequent artifact group encountered. Their depth distribution (table 5)
suggests several noteable points. The highest frequency occurs in the
6-to-12-inch level, being represented by some 349 examples. From
0-to-36-inches there are 960 specimens but from 36-to-54-inches there are
only 2 examples. This would seem to indicate then that the early history
of the Tank Site was characterized mainly by a flake-and-core industry
with the mano-metate complex being exhibited only lightly at first and
then gaining considerable importance toward the latter periods of Phase I.
Excavations at LAn-2 would also indicate that the trait began to wane
toward Phase II and was gradually replaced by a mortar-pestle complex,
which continues to be characteristic on into historic times.
Manos have been typed largely on the basis of the number of faces that
exhibit wear, the nature of the worked or worn surfaces, and the general
form. Some eight types have been recognized.
Table 5
Mano Types
===================================================================
| Occurrence by depth (in in.) |
|-----------------------------------------------------|
Types | 0-6 6-12 12-18 18-24 24-30 30-36 36-42 42-48 48-54 | Total
------|-----------------------------------------------------|------
IA | 28 25 17 10 1 ... ... ... 1 | 82
IB | 12 26 12 8 2 ... ... ... ... | 60
IC | 10 13 10 6 3 ... ... ... ... | 42
IIA | 31 51 19 9 4 2 ... ... ... | 116
IIB | 54 106 76 31 11 2 ... ... ... | 280
IIC | 82 89 68 31 10 3 1 ... ... | 285
IID | 13 15 11 4 2 2 ... ... ... | 47
III | 9 24 16 2 ... ... ... ... ... | 51
------|-----------------------------------------------------|------
Total | 239 349 229 101 33 9 1 0 1 | 962
| |
| Fragments not typable | 1,556
| | -----
| | 2,518
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[Illustration: Figure 6. Mano Types]
I. Unifaced
IA. Natural cobbles with wear on one surface. Cobbles range from
symmetrical to irregular in shape: circular to ovoid in outline.
IB. Extended form of type IA, showing excessive wear. Forms all tend
toward symmetry.
IC. Elongated "sugar-loaf" in cross section. Entire back surface
completely smoothed.
II. Bifaced
IIA. Natural cobbles with wear on two surfaces. Symmetrical forms
range from oblate spheroids to ovoid disks, others are symmetrical.
In cross section wear surfaces are parallel to lenticular. Grades
into type IIB.
IIB. Same as IIA, but forms are elongated (length always much
greater than the breadth).
IIC. Wedge-shaped, ovoid to elongate cobbles. Angle between wear
surfaces ranges from 5 degrees to 45 degrees.
IID. Same as type IIC, but one surface is keeled as a result of
superimposed wear pattern.
III. Trifaced
III. Long, narrow, triangular cross section.
_Mortars_
Newly acquired mortars are represented but by three fragmentary pieces.
Only one is of sufficient size to suggest an outer diameter of
approximately 12 inches, and all three appear to be of the cobble type
similar to the complete specimen collected in 1947 (Treganza and Malamud
1950, pl. 24, _a_). Considering the area excavated and the very small
number of both mortars and pestles that were recovered, it would be safe
to assume this complex was of little significance in the history of the
Tank Site. Their function was probably concerned primarily with something
other than the food economy, such as grinding pigments or functioning in
some specific capacity. Wooden mortars and pestles can not be totally
excluded, but the great preponderance of manos and metates would probably
preclude any serious assumption that mortars and pestles ever played any
important roll at the Tank Site.
Included in feature 18 was a spherical cobble 8 inches in diameter, marked
by a well-defined, shallow, circular depression. Its surface bears the
marks of shaping by pecking and some rubbing; the depression is
well-smoothed, as if worn down by constant use. We can not say whether the
piece is completed, as such; or whether, possibly, it represents a small
mortar in an arrested state of manufacture.
_Pestles_
Five complete pestles were recovered, providing a total of nine for the
two seasons. The specimens this year differ from those already known in
being more stylized, i.e., four are almost perfectly cylindrical and show
wear at both ends. All are made of sandstone and have gently rounded
pounding surfaces. Specimens 1, 2, and 4, as listed below, were found in a
single cache.
1. Shaped over-all by pecking, forming a slightly tapered cylinder,
somewhat bulbed at either extremity. Both ends evidence use. This example,
by far the largest recovered from the Tank Site, compares in many respects
to pestles associated with later cultures of the coast and interior.
Length, 31.5 cm.; average diameter, 6.9 cm. (pl. 24, _a_).
2. Entirely shaped by pecking and grinding. Two opposite sides somewhat
flattened by abrasion as if used as a mano on a slab metate, and resulting
in a somewhat flattened cylinder form. Both ends used. Length, 13.5 cm.;
average diameter, 6.8 cm. (pl. 24, _c_).
3. Similar to specimen 2, though more nearly circular in cross section and
surface shows no grinding. Length 16.5 cm.; average diameter, 7 cm.
4. Completely worked by pecking and grinding. Cylindrical form distorted
by slight tapering and dorsoventral flattening. Used at both ends. Length,
15.2 cm.; average diameter, 6.5 cm.
5. This specimen is composed of a highly weathered sandstone so that the
surface treatment is no longer discernable. Shaped to a truncated conoid
and apparently used only on the larger end. Length, 18.5 cm.; greatest
diameter, 8.5 cm.
These five specimens were localized in the southeast sector of the
deposit, and none occurred deeper than the 12-to-18-inch level. Numerous
Phase II projectile points came from this same general area of the site
and therefore there is some inclination to assign these specimens to a
late position in the Phase I with the probability that they are Phase II.
_Abrading Stones_
Two broad classes of abrading stones have been differentiated on the basis
of form and inferred function (Treganza and Malamud 1950, p. 147):
I. Those that could be held in the hand and rubbed against some
article being finished. These have smoothed, even-abrading surfaces
that are gently concave to convex. They are clearly distinguishable
from manos by their reduced average proportions, and the near
consistent lack of pecking as a sharpening measure. That this latter
characteristic does not hold without exception seems to be due simply
to the fact that some of the abrading stones appear to be reused
manos.
One of the examples in the above category, originally a broken bifaced
mano, has small, half-inch deep depressions at either end. These
evidently served as finger-holds, for they effect a good grip on the
tool.
II. Those that, though quite varied in size, bear one or more grooves
on their faces. The furrows vary in breadth and depth and appear to be
a function, essentially, of the amount and kind of wear to which the
artifact was subjected.
Many of these specimens, especially those with narrow, V-shaped
longitudinal grooves, would be classed as awl sharpeners had they
occurred in sites of later origin. However, bone awls or pointed,
worked bone in any form is absent in the Tank Site. It would suggest,
then, that this class of abrading stones were involved in conjunction
with wood working, the tangible evidence having been lost to us.
_Cog Stones_
Cog stones, because of their unique forms and restricted distribution, may
be useful as diagnostic elements for future comparative studies. As yet we
know little about their function or cultural associations in the rest of
southern California. Their temporal position appears to be a middle one,
as none occur in positive association with late or historic sites, and
conversely, none have been reported for Lake Mohave, coastal San Dieguito,
or Oak Grove. The Tank Site specimens represent the earliest known
occurrence, and even here their exact position as to Phase I or Phase II
is not fully known. Most of our specimens occur in the top levels (0-18
inches), though a single example was found as deep as 32 inches (pl. 23,
_b_).
We have suggested cog stones in southern California may constitute the
counterpart of the spindle charm stones of central California with the
south boundary of the Chumash marking the near southern limit of the
spindle forms. Material out of which cog stones have been made is of some
interest. The Tank Site specimens range through volcanic tuff, siliceous
sinter, escoriated basalt, to a fine-grained basalt. From other areas the
same materials are present plus sandstone, granite, and granodiorite.
Steatite, one of the most easily worked stones, appears to be absent.
Obviously the hardness and type of stone were of little importance. The
appearance of the finished product likewise varied. Some specimens are a
product of perfection, others of the roughest sort. Perforated specimens
might suggest hafting, but few are of this type.
The suggestion of a ceremonial usage of cog stones is not solely lacking
in evidence. In 1936-1937, under the Works Progress Administration, Mr. J.
W. Winterbourne excavated two sites in Orange County known as the Banning
Site and the Norris Site. The following are excerpts from a letter dated
April 13, 1939, to Edwin F. Walker from J. W. Winterbourne (we are
indebted to Mr. H. Eberhart for providing this data from his manuscript on
cog stones):
"I am enclosing some data on cog stones that one of the clerks gathered
from the field notes.... We have noticed several peculiarities regarding
this cogged discoidal. First, that the Banning Estate Site seems to have
produced as many of these stones as all the other sites where they are
found combined; second, that the stones in most cases are found in the
clay completely below the camp debris; third, that rarely have they been
found in association with other artifacts except the discoidal; fourth,
that they seem never to have served a utilitarian purpose as they are not
pitted or polished and rarely broken; fifth, if broken, in almost every
case the Indians attempted to mend them with asphalt; sixth, that the
material used in their manufacture is with few exceptions a vesicular
basalt which is found in outcrops in the San Joaquin Hills and at various
points in the Santa Ana Mountains; seventh, that the number of cogs or
depressions may vary three to twenty-five or thirty-eight, that the stone
may be perforated near the center of the planes or it may not be, but that
usually there is a depression near the center of both obverse and reverse
planes."
The following excerpts are from the same letter and contain more detailed
information regarding archaeological occurrences: "A decomposed burial was
uncovered four feet east of a cog stone and at the same depth.... Three
fine specimens were found close together under four oblong slabs of
fossilized limestone, a pectin shell and a blue piece of granite.... A cog
stone was uncovered twenty-five inches below the surface, 19 inches
northeast by north from a large metate, in plot #10-b. Upon further
investigation, the metate proved to be resting on the stones of a
fireplace from which a few broken human bones protruded. Twelve inches
north of the fireplace ... a mano was found with the cog stone."
The above excerpts were from the Banning Site. The following are from the
Norris Site: "Three cog stones, #39, #40, #41, were found at a depth of
39 inches. These cog stones rested in the clay on edge. Flat surfaces
parallel to each other. These cog stones were found close to a fireplace
about two feet square and also close to a burial ... two cog stones were
uncovered. These cog stones were one on top of the other and rested on the
clay which underlies the kitchen midden. A cog stone was found in test
hole #14 at a depth of 3-1/2 feet, 8 inches below the bottom of the
excavations in a pit. Abalone shell covered the top of the cog stone ...
three cog stones one on top of the other.... This is the first fragment of
a cog stone ever encountered in our excavation. We found a few with cogs
or pieces broken from them but the Indians generally made an attempt to
mend them. This would seem to indicate a ceremonial rather than a
practical use."
These instances serve to indicate such objects were held in high esteem at
least for the two sites mentioned. None of the Tank Site specimens was
patched nor did any two occur in the same immediate area; however,
parallels exist in the forms, materials, the near association of metates,
and at least two burial forms. Also, we recognize no utilitarian role in
which these curious objects could have functioned.
Last season's cog stones were all fragmentary. This year three complete
specimens were found.
1. Beveled disk, biconically drilled. The specimen is indented at even
intervals, resembling somewhat a perforated metal tapered gear or a
fish vertebra. Height, 3.8 cm.; diameter at base, 8.8 cm. Material a
fine-grained basalt (pl. 23, _a_).
2. Slightly beveled disk. The periphery is grooved at even intervals
producing a cog effect. Both the flat surfaces are slightly pitted at
the center of the disk. Height, 4.7 cm.; average diameter, 8.5 cm.
Material a rough escoriated basalt (pl. 23, _c_).
3. Slightly beveled disk like the above specimen only more refined and
with more grooves. Slightly pitted on both surfaces. Grooves appear to
have first been made by a sawing technique and then later smoothed
down. Height, 3 cm.; average diameter, 7.3 cm. Material is volcanic
tuff (pl. 23, _b_).
_Stone Disks_
Discoids, like cogged stones, do not appear to have been utility items.
That there may be some relationship between these two groups in a
functional complex is attested by their direct association in the Banning
Site as reported by Winterbourne. Eventually they may prove to be as
important as cog stones in terms of cultural time-markers, though at
present little is known concerning their distribution.
Stone disks have been divided into two gross categories: (I) those with
flat to convex faces; (II) those on which one or both faces are concave.
In either group the sides may be beveled or straight (for illustrations,
cf. Treganza and Malamud 1950, pl. 24, _c_, _d_, _f_, _i_).
The three specimens recovered this season fall into the first group. All
are characterized by flat faces and all are made of sandstone.
1. Sides beveled with the lower or larger face battered about the
entire periphery. Height, 4 cm.; diameter, 6.5 cm. to 9 cm.
2. Fragmentary specimen with straight sides and slight central
depression on one face. Height, 4.2 cm.; diameter, 7.7 cm.
3. Fragmentary specimen with vertical sides. Height, 3 cm.; diameter
undetermined.
A barrel-shaped object of sandstone was recovered which, if it is a
finished product, should not be classed here as a stone disk. However,
there is some possibility that it represents a discoid in the initial
stages of manufacture, and as such it is without parallel in the
collection. Height, 6 cm.; diameter 5.9 cm. at ends; 6.8 cm. at middle.
There is no reason to assume that any of our specimens are in any way
related to the so-called "bowling" stones reported for southern California
in late prehistoric or historic times.
_Rubbing Stones_
This class includes small flat cobbles, showing abrasive wear on one or
both faces. They may be distinguished from manos by their reduced size
though many appear to look like "little" manos. None shows any shaping
other than through continued wear from use.
A minority of these pieces, thirty-four, are distinguished by the
development of a small centralized pit on one or both smoothed faces. In
some instances there is a single pit on one surface and two on the other.
Many of these pitted examples have been battered on their peripheral
edges, suggesting they were either reused rubbing stones or they served a
dual function of both smoothing and pecking. We are hesitant to call them
"pitted hammerstones" since many are made from a soft sandstone and would
be ill adapted to this function. It is of some interest to note that this
general type of stone implement occurs in central and northern California
throughout most of the entire cultural history of the more advanced
industries. It has been suggested that such an artifact may have been used
as an "acorn anvil" or in some way related to the preparation of the acorn
in the hulling process. Should this prove to be correct, then one might
expect it to be an ancient element in native California.
For future comparative work it may prove advantageous to make further
subdivisions by differentiating between pitted and non-pitted forms. We
have made no attempt to do so at the present time.
_Core Hammerstones_
Some investigators tend to place core hammerstones in a class with flaked
tools, but in the present paper they are classed as an artifact of pecked
stone. It is the great quantity of their occurrence which appears
significant, rather than how they are classed.
Hammerstones may be conceived as having two quite distinct functions: (1)
those whose function is primarily to remove a large flake through the
percussion method, such as the production of a core itself or a rough
blade, and (2) those hammerstones having sharp or semisharp projections
used to reduce to some desired shape rocks of a nonconcoidal nature, such
as pecking down the surface humps on a mortar or pestle in order to
develop symmetry; or the function may not necessarily be one of shaping
but merely to periodically rough up a grinding surface on a metate or
mano. There naturally remains the possibility that once a specimen of the
latter type had lost all of its sharp projections it could then assume the
role of the first type and continue as a useful tool (Treganza and
Valdivia, 1955, p. 20).