Part 4

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.

Assigned to Phase I are three heavy points which, because of their nature, stand in contrast to the typical patinated basalt specimens; yet their association in the site deposit is such that they must be considered along with other projectile points as belonging to the Phase I period. Plate 21, _l_, illustrates a dark-brown chert blade with a concave base which was flaked either by controlled percussion or a rough-pressure technique. This specimen was found in direct association with an extended burial of the Phase I type (Treganza and Malamud, 1950, pl. 15, _f_; pl. 21, _i_), and hence has been assigned to this period. Though its presence appears out of character with the heavy basalt examples, this association is not necessarily unique, for almost an identical example may be noted for the Lake Mohave Culture (Campbell _et al._, 1937, pl. XLIV, _e_; pl. XLV, _d_). A second specimen composed of a white chert and having a broad angular stem base finds no other parallels in the Topanga area (pl. 21, _k_), yet it too occurs in the Lake Mohave area where such forms are classed as a Silver Lake type (_ibid._, pl. XLII, _d_). The third specimen is composed of a thin piece of laminated chert, leaf-shaped in form, and displays only slight marginal flaking in its original shaping. This example was recovered at a depth of 60 inches and marks the greatest depth of any projectile point recovered from the Tank Site.

Table 4

Projectile Points

========================================================================= | Occurrence by depth (in in.) | Points |---------------------------------------------------------| |0-6 6-12 12-18 18-24 24-30 30-36 36-42 42-48 48-54 54-60|Total ---------|---------------------------------------------------------|----- | _Phase II_ | Side- | | notched|... 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... | 3 Contract-| | ing | | stem | 3 4 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... | 9 Lozenge | 9 3 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... | 14 Fragments| 26 14 5 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... | 46 ---------|---------------------------------------------------------|----- Total | 38 24 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 | 72 ---------|--------------------------------------------------------------- Blades and large points ---------|--------------------------------------------------------------- | _Phase I_ | Blades |... 3 6 1 1 1 ... 1 1 ... | 14 Large | points | 2 4 2 ... ... 1 ... 1 1 1 | 12 ---------|---------------------------------------------------------|----- Total | 2 7 8 1 1 2 0 2 2 1 | 26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

_Small "Dart" Points_

_Side-notched points (pl. 22, c, d, e)._--A single example differs in some degree with specimens recovered last season. It is smaller, having a length of 3 cm. and with a slightly concave base. Though this is a surface specimen composed of obsidian, the surface has been so highly patinated that it bears little resemblance to its parent material (pl. 22, _d_).

_Contracting-stem points (pl. 22, f, g, j, k)._--This type has some 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_).

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 -------------------------------------------------------------------

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."