article
Complex hunter-gatherer-fishers of prehistoric California: Chiefs, specialists, and maritime adaptations of the Channel Islands
American antiquity • 57 (1) • Published In 1992 • Pages: 60-84
By: Arnold, Jeanne E..
Abstract
Arnold presents an overview on the Santa Cruz Island Chumash and proposes a model of the development of a simple chiefdom society on the Santa Barbara Channel Islands and presents evidence to support it. Arnold believes there was a population-natural resource imbalance due to severe climatic changes circa 850 B.P. - 750 B.P. (1150-1250 A.D.). This caused food shortages which were offset by intensifiying trade. (The Chumash plank canoe was able to transport up to two tons of goods and could be used for fishing.) This lead rising elites to gain control of certain natural resources, such as chert quarry sites, microblade and bead production, and canoe production and operation to insure they had materials and means to trade.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- North America
- Sub Region
- Northwest Coast and California
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Archaeologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Sarah Berry ; 1998
- Field Date
- not specified
- Coverage Date
- 1500 BP - 218 BP (500-1782 A.D.)
- Coverage Place
- Santa Cruz Island, Calif., United States
- Notes
- Jeanne E. Arnold
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 78-84)
- LCCN
- 46036122
- LCSH
- California--Antiquities