Book
Craft specialization in the prehistoric Channel Islands, California
University of California Press • 18 • Published In 1987 • Pages: xvii, 278
By: Arnold, Jeanne E..
Abstract
Arnold explores the rise of chert microblade production as a craft specialization on Santa Cruz Island. It was a legitimate craft specialization in that a group of individuals practiced this craft to the exclusion of others, there was a standardized method of production, the group controled access to the quarry sites, and they produced microblades in excess of their own needs. These microblades were used to drill the shell beads the Chumash used as money. These changes in the microblade production also helped lead to the emergence of a simple chiefdom level of organization. At least one village, a manufacturing center for these microblades, was established during this period of change. This craft specialization's decline following the introduction of European glass beads and metal needles is also discussed. Arnold comes to these conclusions by her own field work on Santa Cruz Island and by analyzing the archaeological collections of others on Santa Cruz Island and on the mainland.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- North America
- Sub Region
- Northwest Coast and California
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Archaeologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Sarah Berry ; 1998
- Field Date
- 1981-1985
- Coverage Date
- 1150 BP - 205 BP
- Coverage Place
- Santa Cruz Island, Calif., United States
- Notes
- by Jeanne E. Arnold
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 261-278)
- LCCN
- 86030821
- LCSH
- California--Antiquities