manufacture and the concept of use. If we assume a rough piece of source
material was purposely flaked down to produce a core to be used solely as
a hammerstone, the artifact by definition becomes a flaked tool. However,
at this point it bears no resemblance to a hammerstone, but looks more
like a chopper or just a plain core and frequently may be classed as such.
Once this core is used as a percussion instrument and has its sharp
margins battered back, it begins to take on the characteristics of a
hammerstone or a used core tool. If battering continues, the final result
is an angular nodule whose irregular, worn margins mark the former
presence of sharp bifacial flake edges. A well-worn core hammerstone is
also a worn-out specimen, at least in the light of its original function.
Of the 1,478 specimens from the Tank Site it is our opinion that their
resultant form is derived through means of their own function--that of
pecking. That such an implement was much in demand is evidenced by the
pecked surfaces of numerous grinding tools. We doubt seriously if
hammerstones of this type were manufactured as such, but rather we assume
any suitable core, rejected scraper plane, or chopper could have served as
a starting point, and an over-all examination of our specimens supports
such a thesis.
Emergent is the correlation of core hammerstones and the presence of manos
and metates. Noteably both these grinding elements are rare in the coastal
San Dieguito and in the Lake Mohave area but do occur among the Shoshonean
and Yuman groups who occupied the areas corresponding to these ancient
lithic cultures.
_Cobble Hammerstones_
Cobble hammerstones tend to be oval or egg-shaped and exhibit abrasion on
one or both ends. None exceeds fist size, and many are slightly smaller. A
number evidence additional use as a rubbing stone.
A varient of this form is slightly thinner and contains small bifacial
depressions that have been pecked into the more flattened sides and
presumably served as finger grips.
_Slate Pendants_
To date, worked slate was represented only by three nonperforated,
lozenge-shaped specimens, one of which displays a faint, crude rectilinear
design. The second season's activity produced no comparable examples,
though it added six pieces to the collection. These can be broken down
into three descriptive categories:
1. Four examples, none over 2 mm. in thickness, too fragmentary to
warrent reconstruction. Judging by the striations on their surfaces
and edges, they were shaped by grinding. On each, one end tapers to a
blunt point.
2. A lozenge-shaped specimen containing three broken-out peripheral
biconical drilled holes. Average length, 6 cm.; average width, 4.5
cm.; 3 mm. thick.
3. A single trapezoidal specimen with no perforation or abrasive
marks, but shaped at its narrow end by chipping. Length, 12 cm.;
width, 6 cm.; 3 mm. thick.
_Miscellaneous Artifacts_
Here, as in the first report, are included objects that constitute part of
the total cultural inventory, but as small or unassociated occurrences,
they require individual descriptions.
_Objects of Stone_
1. A smooth, symmetric piece of fine-grained sandstone that, though
incomplete, is recognizably spindle-shaped. In all probability it is a
fragment of pseudomorphic _belemnite_ cast, but appears to be
analagous to the spindle-shaped charm stones of the Santa Barbara
Hunting Culture or to those of central California or to the single
specimen recovered at the Little Sycamore Site in Ventura County
(Wallace, 1954, fig. 38B, p. 114; pl. 24 _e_).
2. Six clusters of quartz crystals, apparently segments of geodes,
were recovered. Whether collected as a curiosity or whether they
functioned as would a single large crystal for purposes of anamatistic
power, as in central California, can only be conjectured. In 1947 a
very small, terminated crystal was found in direct burial association,
so there remains the possibility that at least single specimens had
some ceremonial significance.
3. Spheroidal cobbles of varying sizes were encountered, especially in
association with features. None appears to have been artificially
shaped either by pecking or grinding, and hence we assume they
represent highly selected specimens collected from the numerous
conglomerate exposures found in Topanga Canyon. Circumstances
surrounding their occurrence offer no clue as to their possible use.
4. Half of a biconically drilled chlorite-schist bead, 1.5 cm. long,
and about 1 cm. in diameter. Both ends appear to be roughly serrated,
but this feature may be accidental. That the bead was at one time worn
on a string appears evident from the high luster at the juncture of
the two conical drill holes.
5. A perforated tip of a fossil shark tooth, on which the enamel is
largely lacking.
BONE IMPLEMENTS
It can be said with certainty that bone tools in any form were not
characteristic of the Tank Site in either Phase I or Phase II.
From both season's work were recovered a single fragment of a bone awl, a
small section of polished bone containing a light drill pit, and the tip
ends of six antlertine flakers. The antler specimens all occurred in the
0- to 12-inch level and probably should be assigned to Phase II since
their distribution would coincide with the pressure-flaked projectile
points.
This near-complete lack of bone artifacts is a pronounced contrast with
later coastal and interior sites. In part it can be suggested that wooden
objects were manufactured at the Tank Site as a substitute for bone.
OTHER REMAINS
_Unworked Bone and Shell_
The nonhuman bone recovered consisted primarily of highly fragmented
cannon bones, none of which lent itself to positive identification. The
total bulk of such refuse was surprisingly low. We can make no claim that
mammal bone has disintegrated and disappeared in the course of time, for
human bone, though by no means well preserved, was relatively abundant in
small pieces (see features).
As has been pointed out, this scarcity of faunal remains lends support to
the thesis that at least large game animals did not serve as significant
staples. Smaller, lighter bones of rodents were even more rare, and even
these could have been postoccupation, since burrowing mammals were present
when we excavated. Only two pieces of bird bone were noted and both of
these were under an inverted metate.
In the deeper part of the deposit (below 12 inches) identifiable shell
remains were absent. Occasional small flecks of calcareous residue might
suggest the former presence of highly altered shell remains, but as yet we
lack a microscopic analysis to confirm this. In the extreme upper limits
(0-6 inches) a few obvious shell fragments were collected, but even here
such occurrences were rare.
_Fossil Remains_
Previously mentioned were a possible belemnite cast, which may have served
as a charm stone, and a perforated shark's tooth, probably used as a
pendant. Last season we observed numerous remains of some unidentified
fossil vertebrate and several marine shells.
Whether these remains indicate merely the former presence of an aboriginal
fossil collector, or whether they played some functional role, will never
be known to us. A large fossil fish vertebra is known to have constituted
part of a Yokuts rainmaker shaman's kit (records of the University of
California Archaeological Survey), and fossil horse teeth occur with
historic Wintu burials (Treganza, 1954), but the temporal separation
between these two historic groups and the Topanga Culture is too great to
offer any likely suggestions.
_Pigments_
Numerous mineral pigment sticks and granules indicate the considerable use
of such items, but other than the occurrence of hematite in moderate to
light form with some burials, little is known of possible additional uses.
As for body paint or surface decoration on perishable material, the
evidence of such use would not be preserved.
None of the pigment sticks was formed as a result of molding ground
materials into a paddy or brick, as is sometimes noted for California, but
rather, a good grade of mineral was originally selected, and, as pigment
was desired, it was ground from this parent source. Gradually, either long
angular or rounded forms resulted. Of these sticks of pigment 13 were
hematite, showing a color range from brick red to brown; 33 were limonite,
ranging from pale yellow to a rich orange yellow. Occasionally sticks of a
pink mudstone occurred.
EXCAVATION OF SITE LAn-2
This site occupies the same ridge as does the Tank Site approximately 350
yards west-northwest of the latter at an estimated 150 feet lower
elevation. The ridge narrows down to a slight saddle, providing a
semi-knoll upon which the occupational debris has collected (Treganza and
Malamud, 1950, pl. 14, _a_, _c_). For purposes of fire control the area
had previously been bulldozed, obliterating the exact limits of the
deposit. Mound soil appears to extend 110 feet east-west and 70 feet
north-south, and is 36 inches at its deepest point, some 15 feet southwest
of the center of the site. The midden thins out on the periphery more
rapidly toward the west than to the east. The deposit is loose, dark, and
sandy. No extensive ash lenses were observed, and charcoal, though it
appeared in small pieces, was not common. Surrounding the depositional
area, the markedly yellow sandy clay stands out in definite contrast. The
submound base is the same as the surrounding soils only slightly darker
from the downward leeching of organic material from the midden. Directly
above the site and to the northeast, a light-yellow sandstone outcrop has
been exposed to weathering for a considerable period of time.
Exploratory excavation was initiated in the form of a 12- by 3-foot test
trench in 1947. Continuing in the summer of 1948, it was found that more
thorough excavation would be warranted. A 5-foot coördinate system was
then superimposed on the partial excavated area (see map 3).
At the conclusion of the 1947 season there was reason to feel that the
Tank Site was stratified, though at that time without further data, or a
means of checking with another site, the evidence was not fully
convincing. However, in 1948 additional work on the Tank Site plus a
limited amount of excavation on the LAn-2 provided the necessary
information not only to show a definite cultural change in respect to some
elements within the Tank Site, but also that the Topanga Culture as it has
been defined underwent considerable change as it continued on into later
times. These changes as exhibited in LAn-2 consist primarily in a shift in
the method of disposal of the dead from extended burials to a flexed
position, a change in burial orientation favoring north, elaboration in
pestle types, absence of large crude blades, projectile points that are
small and correspond with the types in upper level of the Tank Site, and a
shift in material and variety of core and flake tools. It is upon these
differences that Topanga Phase II rests.
[Illustration: Map 3. Site LAn-2]
DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD
The method of disposal of the dead contrasts sharply with that of the Tank
Site. Of the four burials exposed, two were loose-flexed (pl. 17, _c-d_),
a third, tight-flexed on the back (pl. 17, _a-b_), and the fourth, though
incomplete, likewise suggested a flexed position. The use of a rock cairn
is shared by a single burial from the Tank Site, though in the case of the
former (burial 6), the cairn composed of manos and metates and other rocks
surrounded the burial; here the rocks lay directly over the burial. Like
the Tank Site, associated artifacts were rare. The only occurrence was a
single metate associated with the cairn in burial 4.
The condition of the bones was poor. Though more complete than the remains
from the Tank Site, the skeletal material was fragile and difficult to
expose, possibly due to the loose sandy mound matrix.
Burial 5 from the Tank Site possessed a slight flexure of the knees and
the dual burial 10 possibly suggests flexure. Both of these burials come
from the shallow area of the Tank Site and may suggest a parallel.
In other coastal sites, the burial pattern found at LAn-2 finds comparable
practices (Rogers, D. B., 1929; Rogers M. J., 1945; Walker, 1936; Peck,
1955; Wallace, 1954.)
Table 6
Burial Data on Site LAn-2
==============================================
| Burial number
Burial data |-------------------
| 1 2 3 4
--------------------------|-------------------
Depth from surface (in.) | 21 13 15 26
Primary inhumation | x x x x
Loose flex on side | x x x ...
Tight flex on side | ... ... ... ...
Tight flex on back | ... ... ... x
Head pointed | NE WSW N N
Artifacts associated | ... ... ... x
----------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF ARTIFACTS
FLAKED TOOLS
The assemblage of flaked core tools recovered from LAn-2 represents in
part a continuation of the lithic patterns as described for the Tank Site.
Such modifications as have been noted, plus other cultural changes,
constitute the basis for assuming this site follows the Tank Site in an
uninterrupted temporal sequence. This assumption is further backed by
stratigraphic evidence provided by projectile points (table 4).
Some core tools are also found in LAn-2 but do not occur either in the
total quantity, quality, or number of types as found in the Tank Site.
Many of the specimens exhibit a lesser degree of patination, though there
are some that are heavily patinated. Considering the great quantity of
tools in the Tank Site and its close proximity, it may be that the more
weathered tools were borrowed from the Tank Site. The majority of the core
tools were so poorly manufactured that at times definite tool types were
difficult to recognize. Basalt still appears to predominate as a source
material, but quartzite appears to have been of more common usage,
especially in the making of certain scraper types.
Table 7
Flaked Tools and Materials from Site LAn-2
===============================================
Tools | Basalt Quartzite |Total
---------------------|-------------------|-----
Scraper plane IA | 5 2 | 7
Scraper plane IIA | 57 5 | 62
Scraper plane III | 9 3 | 12
Side scrapers | 7 3 | 10
Straight-edge knives | |
or scrapers | 5 10 | 15
End scrapers | 5 0 | 5
Snub-nosed scrapers | 5 0 | 5
Concave scrapers | 4 0 | 4
Unifaced choppers | 0 2 | 2
Bifaced choppers | 9 3 | 12
Core hammerstones | 60 3 | 63
-----------------------------------------------
Inasmuch as the tool types are the same as those set up for the Tank Site,
there is little need to redescribe them. The frequencies are listed in
table 6. The depths ranged from surface to 36 inches, but the distribution
of artifacts appeared to be homogenous, hence the depth has no
significance.
_Projectile Points_
Nothing from LAn-2 approached the large crude blades and points
characteristic of the lower levels of the Tank Site (LAn-1). Contrarily,
the material matches the small points that are typical of the upper levels
of the Tank Site (0-12 inches), and finds, in addition, parallel in the
later coastal cultures of the Santa Barbara region. All of the specimens
are pressure flaked and composed of either chert or obsidian. The eight
typable points represent too small a series, and the deposit is too
shallow to show any stratigraphic differences within the site.
_Lozenge points (pl. 23, i-l)._--Of the four specimens recovered, one
appears to have accidentally had a large flake removed from one side and
then undergone secondary chipping, producing a resemblance to a single
side-notched type. Their representative lengths are 4.0, 3.6, 3.5, and 2.9
cm.
_Side-notched points (pl. 23, g-h)._--These two specimens differ from
those of the Tank Site in that the base tends to be more concave rather
than convex. Only one of the Tank Site specimens showed a slight
concavity. These specimens differ somewhat from the side-notched concave
points that are typical of the protohistoric and historic period in that
they are broad across the base and proportionately short. Their lengths
are 3.5 and 2.5 cm.
_Contracting-stem points (pl. 23, f)._--This single specimen is larger
than those of the Tank Site and differs in that the sides tend to be
convex near the tip, concave at the mid-section and base, terminating in
well-defined tangs. Were it not for the well-defined tapering stem, the
basal portion would be concave. Typologically this type finds a good
parallel in D. B. Rogers' Hunting and Canalino specimens and a somewhat
lesser similarity to the Gypsum Cave material. (An extended discussion of
this type will be found in the conclusion.) Length, 7 cm.
_Convex-base points (pl. 23, m)._--This type is not represented in the
Tank Site series and is known here only through a single incomplete
specimen. It is a type not uncommon to the later coastal group.
Reconstructed length, 3.5 cm.
_Fragments of points._--Only two additional point fragments were
recovered, neither of which are typable.
GROUND OR PECKED STONE
Ground or pecked stone, like that of chipped material, evidences a certain
amount of continuity as compared to the Tank Site, but also changes
slightly. The number of examples and types is considerably less, perhaps
due in part to the proportional amount of digging done, though it is
difficult to determine, as the Tank Site might well be classed as unusual
in regard to its great quantity of implements. Where manos and metates
were of frequent occurrence in the Tank Site, they become rare here.
Though only two mortars and four pestles were found, it would indicate a
considerable statistical increase over the Tank Site, especially when the
amount of digging done in the two sites is compared. Slate pendants carry
through as do stone disks. No cog stones were recovered though they appear
to be an associate of the disks.
_Metates_
A slight shift may be noted in the types of metates. The shallow basin and
the slab take precidence over the deep basin. As to material and form, no
differences could be noted. The specimens from this site were not
weathered so badly nor was the inverted position common. The number of
each type recovered was as follows: shallow basin, 17; slab, 3; deep
basin, 2; and 19 unidentifiable fragments.
_Manos_
Manos, like metates, were not too numerous nor varied in form. The
finished specimens lack the perfection of the better made examples in the
Tank Site. Considering the entire grinding complex, it is evident that the
role played here was of less importance. This might be interpreted as
indicative of a slight shift in the food economy. It is difficult to offer
an explanation as to the direction or nature of such a shift, though there
is some evidence suggesting greater emphasis was placed on hunting. By
types, the following number of each was found: 4 mono-facial type IA; 20
bifacial type IIB; 3 wedge-shaped type IIC; and 1 type III, with three
worked faces.
The ratio of manos to metates is quite different here than at the Tank
Site. Here the ratio is 1.5 metates to 1 mano. Little explanation can be
offered to this reverse trend other than it represents a breakdown of an
older pattern as a result of a shift toward the mortar-pestle complex.
_Mortars_
The evidence for mortars rests upon two incomplete specimens. A single rim
fragment, composed of a fairly course sandstone, resembles the Tank Site
specimen, but having a somewhat larger diameter (about 10 inches). The
second specimen is too fragmentary to allow any reconstruction of size.
_Pestles_
Only four pestles were recovered. One, a complete specimen composed of a
diabase, was shaped by pecking followed by grinding. The specimen is 14.6
cm. long, tapering from 3.5 cm. in diameter to 5 cm. at the distal end. A
ridge forms a circular band about the handle, 3.1 cm. from the top, 1.6
cm. wide, and projects some 3 cm. The form has a phallic appearance (pl.
24, _d_).
A fragmentary specimen like the above type is too incomplete to afford
much information. It is composed of a coarse sandstone and has been
subjected to considerable oxidation from a fire.
Another fragmentary specimen 11.3 cm. long exhibited a well-defined convex
pounding end. One side shows evidence of flattening by grinding, and in
this respect it is like the cache of three small pestles from the Tank
Site.
An implement, hardly worked but apparently complete, is an elongated
cobble, nearly circular in cross section. The pounding end is convex,
showing considerable wear. The length is 19.7 cm. with an average diameter
of 8.5 cm.
_Rubbing Stones_
All of the seven specimens recovered were composed of flat cobbles,
spherical to oval in form, and worn on both sides. Of these, two have a
single concave surface and a single specimen was bipitted on both
surfaces. Size of specimens averaged 7.85 by 7.1 by 2.8 cm.
_Stone Disks_
A single representative with beveled edges ranging in diameter from 7.4
cm. on one surface to 5.5 cm. on the other, and 3.6 cm. thick, was found.
It is composed of a sandstone and is shaped by pecking and grinding,
resulting in a somewhat uneven form. Similar specimens have been
illustrated for the Tank Site (Treganza and Malamud, 1950, pl. 24, _c_,
_d_, _f_, _h_).
_Pendants_
Pendants are known only in fragmentary or unfinished form, none of which
resemble the types from the Tank Site. A single unfinished specimen,
composed of slate, is subrectangular in outline with irregular wavy edges,
the dimensions being 10 cm. long by 2 cm. wide by 5 cm. thick. On both
surfaces of the smaller end biconical drill holes had been started. The
entire surface shows evidence of irregular scratchy abrasive marks. A
single specimen composed of laminated shale is incomplete and suggests
merely a rectangular form. In addition, three steatite fragments appear to
represent some form of pendant. If complete, all would probably have had a
long tapering rectangular form. The thickness varies from 1 to 3 cm.
OTHER REMAINS
Shell and bone artifacts were absent; this may be partly due to the
limited excavation. No evidence of textiles was detected.
_Unworked Bone and Shell Remains_
Like the Tank Site, both these elements were rare, especially shell, which
is known only through two unidentifiable fragments. A few deer bones
occurred, the lower mandible of a wild cat (Lynx rufus), and the canine
and incisor teeth of either a fox or coyote. The preservation of mammal
bone, like that of human, was very poor.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The final Topanga report remains primarily descriptive in order to make
the data more useable for comparative purposes. Although this concluding
report describes some new material, adds considerably to artifact
frequencies, and defines Phase I and Phase II of the Topanga Culture, the
basic conclusions reached earlier remain essentially unchanged, and the
previous general conclusions need not be repeated here (Treganza and
Malamud, 1950). This summary is the senior author's opinion and does not
necessarily reflect the views of either of the coauthors of the Topanga
reports.
An extended archaeological survey in upper Topanga Canyon and its main
tributaries revealed ten additional habitation deposits comparable to the
Tank Site, LAn-1. More recent excavations along the adjacent coast and in
the interior valleys (Walker, 1951; Wallace, 1954; Peck, 1955) have
produced artifacts comparable to both phases of the Topanga culture.
Therefore, the Topanga Culture, as we have defined it here, is not limited
to the Tank Site but contains local expression as well as relationships
outside the immediate area.