A Cache of Unfired Clay Objects from Death Valley, California

Abstract

An unusual cache of unfired-clay basketry effigies and human figurines was uncovered by a windstorm near Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley National Monument. These specimens and others from nearby archaeological sites demonstrate a more extensive use of sun-dried articles in the Death Valley region than hitherto suspected. The unbaked-clay industry appears to come into the area by way of the Great Basin extension of Anasazi culture aroundA.D.900-1100 and to have persisted into the second half of the 19th century.