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.)
_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_).
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