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Abstract
The excavation of CA LAN-211/H by the cultural resource management firm Statistical Research, Inc. encountered a unique assemblage of artifacts dating to the Protohistoric and Mission periods (1542–1810s). One of the most important finds was Feature 1, which represents a living surface that covered a 9 x 25 m2 area. Coastal fish remains and resources indicating contact with the Spanish from Feature 1 suggest a divergence from the traditional subsistence strategies, which centered on estuarine resources. My research question is whether Feature 1 represents ceremonial feasting associated with the Tongvan Mourning Ceremony or a domestic midden deposit from Tongvan individuals living outside San Gabriel Mission. My hypothesis is that the lithic collection from Feature 1 represents a domestic midden deposit. Lithics near two hearth features were analyzed to identify activities that occurred at the site. The lithic collection from Feature 1 was compared to ethnographic accounts and archaeological assemblages of the Mourning Ceremony and a midden deposit from a rancho labor camp. Testable archaeological expectations based on theoretical feasting and spatial variation models were applied to die Feature 1. My hypothesis was supported by the large number of lithics produced during daily activities, the similarity of the deposit to the rancho labor camp, and the spatial variation of Feature 1.
