essay

Status distinctions reflected in Chumash mortuary populations in the Santa Monica Mountains region

essays on the prehistory of maritime californiaDavis, Calif. • Published In 1992 • Pages: 145-156

By: Martz, Patricia.

Abstract
Martz looks at five cemeteries in the Santa Monica Mountains. The cemeteries range in time from a pre-Chumash cemetery at Trancas Canyon to a Chumash cemetery in use during Spanish conquest and the Mission Period. This last cemetery shows acculturation by a “hold-out” population after European contact. She notes important sociopolitical changes during this time period, such as children and infants buried with artifacts that indicate political and ritual affiliation increase and that there was an overlapping of political, ritual, and economic roles. Her analysis supports the conclusion that the Chumash organized at the chiefdom level of social complexity, albeit at the lower end.
Subjects
Identification
Maps
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Sociocultural trends
Status, role, and prestige
Community heads
Burial practices and funerals
tradition
Late Southern California
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
North America
Sub Region
Northwest Coast and California
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry ; 1999
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
2400 BP - 175 BP (400 B.C. - 1825 A.D.)
Coverage Place
Chumash; Santa Monica Mountains, Calif., United States
Notes
Patricia Martz
Includes bibliographical references (p. 154-156)
LCSH
California--Antiquities