The Topanga Culture: Final Report on Excavations, 1948Treganza, Adan E. (Adan Eduardo)
History
The Topanga Culture: Final Report on Excavations, 1948
Treganza, Adan E. (Adan Eduardo)
California -- Antiquities; Topanga Canyon (Calif.)
... ... ... | 1
Unifaced | |
choppers| 48 56 33 27 12 3 3 3 ... ... | 185
Bifaced | |
choppers|152 117 113 49 14 7 6 5 1 ... | 464
Core | |
hammer- | |
stones |339 422 429 154 93 17 18 9 5 1 |1,478
---------|---------------------------------------------------------|-----
Total by | |
level |851 829 730 312 151 42 38 22 9 2 |2,986
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In addition to the physical and technological differences between the
projectile points of Phase I and Phase II there remains important
stratigraphic differences that are clearly shown in table 4. The large
blades and points of Phase I are primarily confined to the lower levels of
the site with the deepest occurrence at the 54-to-60-inch level and a
maximum occurrence in the 12-to-18-inch level. Almost a complete reversal
of this may be observed in the distribution of Phase II points. Here the
maximum occurrence is in the 0-to-6-inch level and none occurred below
the 18-to-24-inch level. That some degree of overlap is present can be
expected, assuming our interpretation of the erosional history of the Tank
Site is correct (Treganza and Malamud, 1950, p. 131). In any stratified
site, unless the cultural levels are separated by a sterile layer of some
thickness some degree of cultural mixing may be anticipated. Previously
unknown to us was the fact that Mr. Trujillo had plowed the site in
earlier days and this, plus rodent activities, could have brought about
considerable mixing in the upper 12 inches of the deposit. Though less
digging was done in the Phase II site LAn-2, it is significant to note
that only the small pressure-flaked projectile points were present. In
form and material they resemble in near exactness the material from the
0-to-12-inch level of the Tank Site (pl. 23, _f-m_).
Two specimens, a large blade and large point (pl. 22, _a_, _b_), have
tentatively been assigned to Phase II though there may be some doubt as to
their cultural provenience. The blade, composed of a dark-brown chert,
shows considerable pressure-flaking skill as evidenced by the serrations
along both margins. The large point composed of obsidian lacks refinement
in flaking but shows little or no evidence of surface alteration
(patination). Also, both these types are of not uncommon occurrence in the
coastal shell middens that can be assigned to periods of less antiquity
than the Tank Site.
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