Baked-Clay Objects of the Lower Sacramento Valley, California

Abstract

Data from archaeological investigations in the habitation mounds of the lower Sacramento Valley by the Sacramento Junior College during the last three years have thrown much light on a very interesting and hitherto imperfectly known aboriginal trait of molding and baking small clay objects. Wissler characterizes California as an area in which pottery was absent. Kroeber subsequently notes that pottery-making occurred north of the Tehachapi Mountains. Gayton describes pottery in detail for the Yokuts and Western Mono. Meredith first specifically noted the occurrence of baked-clay objects in the northern San Joaquin Valley. Holmes, Jones, and Schenck followed, the latter's being the most comprehensive study.