A regional study and analysis of lithics from three archaeological sites: LAN-2682, LAN-98 and LAN-2875 (California)

Lithic artifacts are analyzed from three southern California coastal archaeological sites, LAn-98, LAn-2682, and LAN-2875.Various theories and chronological sequences are suggested for southern California archaeology. The applicability of these theories and chronologies relative to the three archaeological sites is investigated. Historic and ethnographic accounts of the indigenous population are considered with emphasis on the Gabrielino. Lithic analysis is based on literature research, comparative analysis, visual inspection, obsidian sourcing and hydration, and residue analysis.; Several research questions regarding subsistence, trade, chronological sequence and theoretical perspectives, as well as site type and relationships, are considered in this paper. Some answers are provided, and others are not possible to resolve, but various views are considered. A primary objective of this paper is to provide a thorough report and analysis of the lithic artifacts from the three sites. This paper also illustrates some of the confusion with previously established terminologies, such as "Canalino"; the value of reevaluating previously recovered artifacts and data; the problems with accessing cultural material from disturbed sites; and the need to consider factors such as archaeological site formation processes when making archaeological determinants.