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In 1953 a prehistoric culture was first identified in the western Great Basin and the north-central Sierra Nevada and termed the “Martis Complex.” Since questions have been raised about the characterization of this Complex, this article is a review of research and adds new field data since its original description. Of nine traits originally proposed to identify the Martis Complex, two had been questioned at that time; they remain as questionable traits. The other seven have been reinforced by more recent data, and three new diagnostic traits are proposed on the basis of new information on the Complex. Recent dating by carbon-14 and obsidian hydration measurements affirm the existence of the Martis Complex between 2000 B.C. and 500 A.D.

Fragmentary human figurines from archaeological sites in Sacramento and Marin counties are described. It is suggested that noting slight variations in decorative and other characteristics within the type may aid in providing a clear picture of the geographical and chronological distributions of these specimens in western North America.