The translocation and extinction of animals and the role humans played in shaping island ecosyste... more The translocation and extinction of animals and the role humans played in shaping island ecosystems has become a topic of great interest in island and coastal archaeology (Grayson 2001; Matisoo-Smith 2009; Rick 2012; Rick et al. 2012). On California’s Channel Islands a few species, including the giant island deer mouse (Peromyscus ne-sodytes), went extinct during the last 13,000 years while humans occupied the northern islands (Figure1;Ricket al. 2012).Thispaper presents preliminary results on P. nesodytes that are part of a larger ongoing study investi-
Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, 2013
Author(s): Erlandson, Jon M.; Ainis, Amira F.; Gill, Kristina M.; Jew, Nicholas P. | Abstract: De... more Author(s): Erlandson, Jon M.; Ainis, Amira F.; Gill, Kristina M.; Jew, Nicholas P. | Abstract: Despite dramatic growth in the number of Terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene sites known from California’s Northern Channel Islands, two substantial chronological gaps have remained for which no early sites had been found—one between ~10,000 and 11,400 cal B.P. and another between ~12,200 and 12,900 cal B.P. These gaps have led some scholars to propose that the Northern Channel Islands may have been abandoned by Paleocoastal peoples for substantial periods, while others have suggested that the number of early sites is too limited San Miguel Island Santa Rosa Island to be con dent that the gaps are not due to sampling or preservation issues. Here we summarize what is known about CA-SMI-274, a San Miguel Island shell midden recently dated to ~10,500 cal B.P. The site lls a portion of the later gap and sheds some light on a previously unknown period in the deep archaeological history of t...
Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, 2011
We present a detailed faunal analysis of bulk samples excavated from Cave of the Chimneys, locate... more We present a detailed faunal analysis of bulk samples excavated from Cave of the Chimneys, located on the northeast coast of San Miguel Island. The site contains at least six discrete cultural components in a well-strati ed and well- preserved sequence spanning roughly 6,000 years, from about 8,500 to 2,400 years ago. Although species composition and shell sh richness changed over time, rocky intertidal shell sh dominate the faunal assemblage. The Early Holocene strata predominantly consist of California mussels (Mytilus californianus) with other species present in low numbers. The contribution of other shell sh taxa in the Middle Holocene strata greatly increases so that no single species dominates the assemblage. Fish remains are present throughout, but vary in abundance and dietary importance. We discuss these trans-Holocene patterns in the context of other San Miguel Island sites and general patterns of maritime subsistence developed for the Santa Barbara Channel region.
On global, regional, and local scales, sea level histories and paleoshoreline reconstructions are... more On global, regional, and local scales, sea level histories and paleoshoreline reconstructions are critical to understanding the deep history of human adaptations in island and coastal settings. The distance of any individual site from the coast strongly influences decisions about the transport of coastal resources and has a direct impact on human settlement and resources procurement strategies. Our ability, then, to identify relic productive habitats, such as wetlands, that were subaerial during time periods relevant to human occupation, is critical to models of human settlement and resource patterning that guide our search to identify cultural resources. Accurate location of productive habitats becomes more critical when searching for terminal Pleistocene sites submerged by postglacial marine transgression. While paleoshoreline reconstructions and sea level histories can provide a baseline for identifying drowned and ancient coastal ecosystems, post-transgressive sediment deposited...
Archaeologically, the use of marine kelps and seaweeds is poorly understood, yet California's... more Archaeologically, the use of marine kelps and seaweeds is poorly understood, yet California's islands are surrounded by extensive and highly productive kelp forests with nearshore habitats containing more than 100 edible species. Historical accounts from around the Pacific Rim demonstrate considerable use of seaweeds and seagrasses by native people, but there has been little discussion of seaweeds as a potential food source on California's islands. This chapter summarizes the biology, diversity, ecology, and productivity of marine macroalgae and marine angiosperms in the California Bight, supporting the likely consumption of seaweeds in the past. The potential use of plentiful and nutritious seaweeds by California Island peoples has major implications for the perceived marginality of the islands.
The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology, 2019
Abstract Archaeobotanical remains recovered from a large ∼8000-year-old-shell midden (CA-SRI-666)... more Abstract Archaeobotanical remains recovered from a large ∼8000-year-old-shell midden (CA-SRI-666) on Santa Rosa Island provide the first ancient plant data from this large island, shedding light on ancient patterns of plant use, subsistence, and sedentism. Faunal data from shell midden samples retrieved from three site loci contain evidence for harvesting of rocky intertidal shellfish and estuarine clams and oysters from a paleo-estuary in the vicinity. CA-SRI-666 appears to have been an Early Holocene village site occupied year round. A key to the development of early sedentary societies on the island may have been geophytes, especially Brodiaea-type corms, which provided an abundant source of carbohydrates and calories that complemented marine resources rich in fat and whole animal proteins. Our data demonstrate the value of integrating paleobotanical and zooarchaeological data from island and coastal archaeological sites to help elucidate human social, cultural, and environmental dynamics, including sedentism.
The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology, 2012
The translocation and extinction of animals and the role humans played in shaping island ecosyste... more The translocation and extinction of animals and the role humans played in shaping island ecosystems has become a topic of great interest in island and coastal archaeology (Grayson 2001; Matisoo-Smith 2009; Rick 2012; Rick et al. 2012). On California’s Channel Islands a few species, including the giant island deer mouse (Peromyscus nesodytes), went extinct during the last 13,000 years while humans occupied the northern islands (Figure 1; Rick et al. 2012). This paper presents preliminary results on P. nesodytes that are part of a larger ongoing study investi-
To investigate potential human impacts on California Channel Island shellfish stocks over the pas... more To investigate potential human impacts on California Channel Island shellfish stocks over the past 10,000 years, we measured 1718 owl limpet shells from 19 archaeological components on San Miguel Island. Inhabiting the middle intertidal zone of Pacific Coast rocky shores, owl limpets are slow-growing mollusks that can live for 30 years and reach lengths of over 100 mm. Recent ecological studies
... However, little is known about the lives of island dogs up to that point and even less about ... more ... However, little is known about the lives of island dogs up to that point and even less about their relationship with humans. Recent efforts have focused on cataloging and radiocarbon dating museum samples (Rick et al., in press). ...
To date more intact dog remains have been found on San Nicolas than on any of the other seven Cal... more To date more intact dog remains have been found on San Nicolas than on any of the other seven California Channel Islands. However, little is known about them. During the 2007 summer field season we excavated a medium sized young male dog in a flexed burial position from a pit at CA-SNI-25, a large Native American village site. The dog
Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, 2014
A survey on San Nicolas Island found a cluster of over 4,200 shell beads associated with Middle H... more A survey on San Nicolas Island found a cluster of over 4,200 shell beads associated with Middle Holocene archaeological deposits eroded from a coastal dune at CA-SNI-12. Among the 12 bead types recovered were more than 146 Olivella Grooved Rectangle (OGR) beads, including a previously unknown subtype with diagonal grooves, >3,000 Olivella cap beads, and nearly 400 Olivella spire-removed beads. Direct AMS radiocarbon dates (~5,000 cal B.P.) on two bead fragments con rm the Middle Holocene age of the feature. Between approximately 5,400 and 4,400 cal B.P., California’s southern Channel Islands appear to have been the focal point of OGR bead production and use, though these beads have been found in a variety of archaeological contexts across western North America. The broad distribution but short temporal duration of these beads makes them an important Middle Holocene indicator of bead production and exchange in California and the Great Basin.
The translocation and extinction of animals and the role humans played in shaping island ecosyste... more The translocation and extinction of animals and the role humans played in shaping island ecosystems has become a topic of great interest in island and coastal archaeology (Grayson 2001; Matisoo-Smith 2009; Rick 2012; Rick et al. 2012). On California’s Channel Islands a few species, including the giant island deer mouse (Peromyscus ne-sodytes), went extinct during the last 13,000 years while humans occupied the northern islands (Figure1;Ricket al. 2012).Thispaper presents preliminary results on P. nesodytes that are part of a larger ongoing study investi-
Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, 2013
Author(s): Erlandson, Jon M.; Ainis, Amira F.; Gill, Kristina M.; Jew, Nicholas P. | Abstract: De... more Author(s): Erlandson, Jon M.; Ainis, Amira F.; Gill, Kristina M.; Jew, Nicholas P. | Abstract: Despite dramatic growth in the number of Terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene sites known from California’s Northern Channel Islands, two substantial chronological gaps have remained for which no early sites had been found—one between ~10,000 and 11,400 cal B.P. and another between ~12,200 and 12,900 cal B.P. These gaps have led some scholars to propose that the Northern Channel Islands may have been abandoned by Paleocoastal peoples for substantial periods, while others have suggested that the number of early sites is too limited San Miguel Island Santa Rosa Island to be con dent that the gaps are not due to sampling or preservation issues. Here we summarize what is known about CA-SMI-274, a San Miguel Island shell midden recently dated to ~10,500 cal B.P. The site lls a portion of the later gap and sheds some light on a previously unknown period in the deep archaeological history of t...
Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, 2011
We present a detailed faunal analysis of bulk samples excavated from Cave of the Chimneys, locate... more We present a detailed faunal analysis of bulk samples excavated from Cave of the Chimneys, located on the northeast coast of San Miguel Island. The site contains at least six discrete cultural components in a well-strati ed and well- preserved sequence spanning roughly 6,000 years, from about 8,500 to 2,400 years ago. Although species composition and shell sh richness changed over time, rocky intertidal shell sh dominate the faunal assemblage. The Early Holocene strata predominantly consist of California mussels (Mytilus californianus) with other species present in low numbers. The contribution of other shell sh taxa in the Middle Holocene strata greatly increases so that no single species dominates the assemblage. Fish remains are present throughout, but vary in abundance and dietary importance. We discuss these trans-Holocene patterns in the context of other San Miguel Island sites and general patterns of maritime subsistence developed for the Santa Barbara Channel region.
On global, regional, and local scales, sea level histories and paleoshoreline reconstructions are... more On global, regional, and local scales, sea level histories and paleoshoreline reconstructions are critical to understanding the deep history of human adaptations in island and coastal settings. The distance of any individual site from the coast strongly influences decisions about the transport of coastal resources and has a direct impact on human settlement and resources procurement strategies. Our ability, then, to identify relic productive habitats, such as wetlands, that were subaerial during time periods relevant to human occupation, is critical to models of human settlement and resource patterning that guide our search to identify cultural resources. Accurate location of productive habitats becomes more critical when searching for terminal Pleistocene sites submerged by postglacial marine transgression. While paleoshoreline reconstructions and sea level histories can provide a baseline for identifying drowned and ancient coastal ecosystems, post-transgressive sediment deposited...
Archaeologically, the use of marine kelps and seaweeds is poorly understood, yet California's... more Archaeologically, the use of marine kelps and seaweeds is poorly understood, yet California's islands are surrounded by extensive and highly productive kelp forests with nearshore habitats containing more than 100 edible species. Historical accounts from around the Pacific Rim demonstrate considerable use of seaweeds and seagrasses by native people, but there has been little discussion of seaweeds as a potential food source on California's islands. This chapter summarizes the biology, diversity, ecology, and productivity of marine macroalgae and marine angiosperms in the California Bight, supporting the likely consumption of seaweeds in the past. The potential use of plentiful and nutritious seaweeds by California Island peoples has major implications for the perceived marginality of the islands.
The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology, 2019
Abstract Archaeobotanical remains recovered from a large ∼8000-year-old-shell midden (CA-SRI-666)... more Abstract Archaeobotanical remains recovered from a large ∼8000-year-old-shell midden (CA-SRI-666) on Santa Rosa Island provide the first ancient plant data from this large island, shedding light on ancient patterns of plant use, subsistence, and sedentism. Faunal data from shell midden samples retrieved from three site loci contain evidence for harvesting of rocky intertidal shellfish and estuarine clams and oysters from a paleo-estuary in the vicinity. CA-SRI-666 appears to have been an Early Holocene village site occupied year round. A key to the development of early sedentary societies on the island may have been geophytes, especially Brodiaea-type corms, which provided an abundant source of carbohydrates and calories that complemented marine resources rich in fat and whole animal proteins. Our data demonstrate the value of integrating paleobotanical and zooarchaeological data from island and coastal archaeological sites to help elucidate human social, cultural, and environmental dynamics, including sedentism.
The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology, 2012
The translocation and extinction of animals and the role humans played in shaping island ecosyste... more The translocation and extinction of animals and the role humans played in shaping island ecosystems has become a topic of great interest in island and coastal archaeology (Grayson 2001; Matisoo-Smith 2009; Rick 2012; Rick et al. 2012). On California’s Channel Islands a few species, including the giant island deer mouse (Peromyscus nesodytes), went extinct during the last 13,000 years while humans occupied the northern islands (Figure 1; Rick et al. 2012). This paper presents preliminary results on P. nesodytes that are part of a larger ongoing study investi-
To investigate potential human impacts on California Channel Island shellfish stocks over the pas... more To investigate potential human impacts on California Channel Island shellfish stocks over the past 10,000 years, we measured 1718 owl limpet shells from 19 archaeological components on San Miguel Island. Inhabiting the middle intertidal zone of Pacific Coast rocky shores, owl limpets are slow-growing mollusks that can live for 30 years and reach lengths of over 100 mm. Recent ecological studies
... However, little is known about the lives of island dogs up to that point and even less about ... more ... However, little is known about the lives of island dogs up to that point and even less about their relationship with humans. Recent efforts have focused on cataloging and radiocarbon dating museum samples (Rick et al., in press). ...
To date more intact dog remains have been found on San Nicolas than on any of the other seven Cal... more To date more intact dog remains have been found on San Nicolas than on any of the other seven California Channel Islands. However, little is known about them. During the 2007 summer field season we excavated a medium sized young male dog in a flexed burial position from a pit at CA-SNI-25, a large Native American village site. The dog
Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, 2014
A survey on San Nicolas Island found a cluster of over 4,200 shell beads associated with Middle H... more A survey on San Nicolas Island found a cluster of over 4,200 shell beads associated with Middle Holocene archaeological deposits eroded from a coastal dune at CA-SNI-12. Among the 12 bead types recovered were more than 146 Olivella Grooved Rectangle (OGR) beads, including a previously unknown subtype with diagonal grooves, >3,000 Olivella cap beads, and nearly 400 Olivella spire-removed beads. Direct AMS radiocarbon dates (~5,000 cal B.P.) on two bead fragments con rm the Middle Holocene age of the feature. Between approximately 5,400 and 4,400 cal B.P., California’s southern Channel Islands appear to have been the focal point of OGR bead production and use, though these beads have been found in a variety of archaeological contexts across western North America. The broad distribution but short temporal duration of these beads makes them an important Middle Holocene indicator of bead production and exchange in California and the Great Basin.
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