How Do We Know What We Know?

How Do We Know What We Know?. Tataviam Ancestors. , Prior to European contact in the early 1700s, Tataviam ancestors lived here for over 1,300 years, with archaeological evidence indicating human life here at least 4,500 years ago. We have knowledge of many parts of their lives here, even though we have no written records dating from these long-ago times. So how do we know what we know? , , Food Processing , What clues do you see that might tell you what this spot was used for? Notice the darkened, burned soil near the Juniper behind this sign, and the holes ground into the bedrock to your left. These clues indicate that this was a food processing site, or kitchen. , , Steatite and Trade , The village's link into both regional and far-reaching trade networks was their nearby source of highly desirable steatite, or soapstone. Steatite is easily carved and polished into ceremonial or decorative items like pendants, effigies, and tobacco pipes. It also conducts heat well, making excellent arrow-shaft straighteners. , , Sources Include: , Ancestral Knowledge: Information passed down and preserved through generations. , Archaeological Evidence: Physical evidence left behind, such as artifacts and features. , DNA Research: Connects living descendants to the lineages of their ancestors. , Genealogy: Mission records provide birth places and family trees of Native peoples. , Ethnographies: The study of cultural groups through interviews and observations. , , photo captions: , · A recreation of a traditional local kitchen, featuring basketry, grinding tools, animal pelts, and local foods including pine nuts, acorns, and seeds. Image courtesy Leon Worden. , , · "Hopper mortars" are a hybrid artifact, combining stone and basketry. The lower stone bowl features a groove, which was lined with sticky asphaltum, where a woven basket was affixed. , , · Two of Elder Garcia‘s carvings: a steatite dolphin and abalone fishhook. , , · The traditional practice of steaite carving is still held by tribal members today, seen here in the beautiful work by FTBMI Elder Ted Garcia. Image courtesy FTBMI. , , · Other Local Artifact Types. Indicates trade items found in this area made from non-local materials. , , · Examples of Local Native Plants Commonly Used for Food Processing. , , Please remember, all features in this park are protected. Do not disturb, damage, or remove any plants, rocks, or artifacts. Doing so permanently damages the cultural record and preserved environments at this special place. We must all do our part to protect and preserve these precious resources. Interested in learning more? Many of the artifacts shown here are viewable in our Interpretive Center.