Culture Change in Central California

The Historic Period (mid-19th Century to present)

Newcomers (mostly Mexicans, Europeans, and Euroamericans) arrive in large numbers to settle the area, largely as a result of the Gold Rush of 1849; the Native Californian way of life changes forever.

The Late Prehistoric Period (1200 - 150 B.P.)1

Acorns continue as a staple food

Well-shaped mortars and pestles are very common

Bows and arrows are introduced, as is the fishing harpoon

Small arrow points made from flaked stone are more common than large spear points

Darts and atlatls are no longer used?

Elaborately decorated shell and bone objects are common

Baked clay figurines and other objects are very common

Clam shell beads are used as money

Dead are usually buried in a fetal position ("flexed"), sometimes cremated; burning of grave offerings is common

The Middle Prehistoric Period (~2500 - 1200 B.P.)

Acorns become a major food source

Grinding and pulverizing tools (especially mortars and pestles) are more common than before

Bone tool industry flourishes

Spear and dart points without stems become more common than stemmed points

Baked clay objects become more common

Burials are usually flexed, with fewer grave offerings

Birds and animals are sometimes found as ceremonial burials

The Early Prehistoric Period (~4500 - 2500 B.P.)2

Game and fish may be more important than plant foods

Spears, darts, and atlatls (throwing sticks) are primary hunting tools; spear and dart points are made from flaked stone and often have stems for hafting them onto the shaft

Grinding and pulverizing tools (millingslabs and handstones, mortars and pestles) are present but uncommon

Bone tool industry is limited (awls, needles, flakers)

Baked clay "cooking stones" are present

Trade with neighboring regions is already established (shells from the coast, crystals from the foothills)

Dead are usually buried stretched out on their backs, with many grave offerings; usually facing west

¹ - B.P.=Before Present, which many archaeologists use instead of A.D./B.C.

² - There is good evidence in some areas of California for human occupation by 10,000 years ago. So far we have not identified any of these very early "Paleoindian" sites in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.