Exhibit of Native People

Tehama County was occupied by two tribal groups at the time of historic contact. The archeological record suggests that the Yana and their predecessors occupied the region for some 4500 years. The Nomlaki on the other hand, are relative newcomers, having arrived from the north only 400 years ago. (CLICK HERE TO VIEW MAP...150K)

Both the Yana and the Nomlaki practiced a hunting/gathering type of subsistance economy. Each used the environment in similar ways and hence there were similarities in their material culture. Several aspects of this culture, including ground stone tool technology, chipped stone tool manufacture and the basket industry are discussed in this exhibit.

Tool Making Kit

For large blocks of stone several different tools were used to make chipped stone items. Rounded stones were used as "hard" hammers for initial core reductions; elk antler was utilized for "soft" hammers. used for shaping, and deer antler tines served as flakers for finish work

Local Obsidian

Small pebbles of obsidian from the Tuscan geological formation can be found in volcanic mudflows along the west flank of the Southern Cascade Range in the eastern part of the county. Thin flake suitable for tool manufacture were extracted by placing an anvil and striking sharp blows with a hammer stone. This technique is known as "bi-polar percussion".

Projectile Points

Projectile points and other artifacts such as beads are time markers. Point and bead styles, shapes and material types changed through time and when found help date the occupation of the discovery location. Because of their scientific value, artifacts such as these should be reported to the local land management agency for documentation. This collection was recently donated to the museum - contact the curator if you wish to make a similar contribution.

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Ground Stone Tools

These are all examples of food processing tools.
Mortar and Pestle

Mortar and pestle used to pound and grind large hard seeds, such as acorns, with a pestle.
Metate and Mano

Metate and Mano which was used to grind small seeds, such as grasses, into flour. The fact that this mano is made from vocanic rock suggests an origin east of the Sacramento River.

Small reproduction basket is the type used to store small personal possesions

Bone awls used in basket making. They were used to tighten or spread twining as necessary during the manufacturing process.

Fiber Cordage....This cordage was made from native plants such as milkweed. It was used to make nets, caps, fishing line, and for tying things together

Basket Making/Basketry was an important part of the Native American material culture. Typically made by women, baskets were made for many purposes including food collection, storage, and cooking.