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San Francisco Sites

California Sites

Boulder Ridge—California


In March and April of 1992 Archeo-Tec conducted archaeological testing and evaluations in Santa Clara County’s Almaden Valley. A total of three individual sites were recovered. The first site was a prehistoric/protohistoric midden site, with the recovered assemblage consisting entirely of chipped stone materials. The second site was a small cave, or rockshelter, containing three mortar cups on its floor. The third site was a cave containing aboriginal rock art and several cupules.

		The cupules were most likely used for ceremonial purposes: possibly for grinding herbs and pigment, or as receptacles for offerings. Ceremonial activity is suggested by the prominent thematic symbolism of the elements in the rock art. The preponderance of female symbolism suggests the possibility that this site was used for the ceremonial activities of women. Rock art sites are not abundant in Santa Clara County, and therefore, the discoveries at Boulder Ridge add significant comparative data for future studies concerning rock art in Santa Clara County and the greater surrounding areas.

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