A Consideration of Muwekma Ohlone Oral Histories with Kuksu
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RECOGNITION THROUGH REMEMBRANCE: A CONSIDERATION OF MUWEKMA OHLONE ORAL HISTORIES WITH KUKSU- ASSOCIATED MATERIAL CULTURE TO INFER PRECOLONIAL CONNECTIONS TO PLACE A Project Report Presented to The Faculty of the Department of Anthropology San José State University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree Master of Arts By Alicia A. Hedges May 2019 © 2019 Alicia A. Hedges ALL RIGHTS RESERVED SAN JOSÉ STATE UNIVERSITY The Undersigned Graduate Committee Approves the Project Report Titled Recognition through Remembrance: A Consideration of Muwekma Ohlone Oral Histories with Kuksu-Associated Material Culture to Infer Precolonial Connections to Place By Alicia A. Hedges APPROVED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY Dr. Marco Meniketti, Department of Anthropology Date Dr. Charlotte Sunseri, Department of Anthropology Date Mr. Alan Leventhal, M.A, Department of Anthropology Date ABSTRACT This research project report conducts and investigates place-based narratives/oral histories of Muwekma Ohlone people from the greater Bay Area in order to triangulate pre-Columbian settlement and territorial patterns. This study is a complement to other archaeological efforts to assess Muwekma Ohlone claims related to the tribe’s narrative of aboriginal and historical ethno- geographic ties to the San Francisco Bay Area, descent from three Bay Area Missions, as well as their efforts to regain federal recognition. These narratives are juxtaposed with pre-European contact evidence that focuses on the distribution of N-series “Bighead/Kuksu” pendants found in specific Bay Area archaeological sites. The scope of analysis includes assessments of Muwekma Ohlone identity, kinship and experience by understanding concepts of narrative and collective memory in order to contribute to current decolonization efforts that support aspects of historical multivocality. i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are many people I would like to thank related to this research. First, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area. I would like to especially thank those Muwekma tribal members who participated in this research: Dolores “Dottie” Galvan Lameira, Mary Louisa Cline, Frank and Carrie Ruano, Sheila Guzman-Schmidt, Monica V. Arellano, and Charlene Nijmeh. I would like to recognize Monica V. Arellano as she helped facilitate this research. Additionally, I would like to thank Rosemary Cambra, Norma Sanchez, and Arnold Sanchez. Each and every Muwekma tribal member I worked with welcomed me with open arms and shared their lives with me, and to them I am forever grateful. I would like to thank Mr. Alan Leventhal; not only did he serve on my graduate committee and offer me substantial guidance during this research, he connected me with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe and assisted me in finding employment. Alan continuously finds ways to involve students in archaeology both in the lab and in the field, and I am humbled I had the opportunity to work with him during my graduate studies. Dr. Marco Meniketti served as the Chair of my committee and provided me with invaluable direction during this process. Not only has Marco worked with me to bring this project to fruition, but he encouraged me to apply for graduate school and further my career in archaeology. I would like to thank Marco for reaffirming my interest in and passion for archaeology, history, and travel. I would like to acknowledge Dr. Charlotte Sunseri; without her guidance this research would not have been possible. Charlotte emanates a calming and nurturing persona which was ii incredibly helpful during times of stress. Charlotte always challenged me to assess things differently, hold myself accountable, and reminded me to always think anthropologically. Her intellect is inspiring, and her good nature is infectious. I would like to thank Charlotte for being involved in this research. Viviana Bellifemine Sanchez-Chopitea was a major inspiration for this project report. Vivana introduced me to the Kuksu religion and deserves ample credit as she was foundational in this research. Not only that, but Viviana served as a wonderful confidant for me. I would like to express my appreciation for Viviana and her guidance during my studies. Far Western Anthropological Research Group contributed to this research by providing me with helpful data pertaining to the Sunol Water Temple site. I would like to particularly thank Dr. Brian Byrd for his assistance and Mr. Michael Darcangelo for his guidance in the field. I would like to recognize Brieann DeOrnellas, Alisha Marie Ragland, Brenna Wheelis, Amanda Jorgenson and Leslie Hoefert for their friendship and camaraderie. I would like to especially thank my cohort member and friend Arianna Heathcote who helped peer review my work and always had time to talk, regardless of her own hectic schedule. I would also like to extend my gratitude to my longtime friend Jasmine Fast who read countless drafts, offered me suggestions, and helped me formulate my thoughts and ideas. Jasmine has always and continues to offer me unconditional love and support. Thank you all for being amazing friends. Finally, I would like to thank my partner Brian Dial. Throughout the many trials and tribulations I have experienced, Brian has been there to lift me back up and invigorate me to press on. This research would not have been possible without Brian’s love, support, and encouragement. For Brian, I would like to express my deepest appreciation. iii DEDICATION In memory of Joy Claire Hedges (1956-2014) and Dale Langdon Hedges (1953-2016) iv TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................... viii LIST OF MAPS............................................................................................................................. x LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 1 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................................... 1 Project Significance..................................................................................................................... 9 Project Deliverables .................................................................................................................. 13 CHAPTER 2: ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO IDENTITY ........................... 15 Narrative .................................................................................................................................... 15 Collective Memory .................................................................................................................... 18 Placemaking .............................................................................................................................. 22 Agency ...................................................................................................................................... 29 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 34 CHAPTER 3: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ...................................................................... 35 Persistence in the Face of Colonialism (1542-1868) ................................................................ 35 The Ghost Dance (1869 – 1890) ............................................................................................... 39 Early 20th Century Descriptions and Mentions of Kuksu ......................................................... 42 Material Manifestations of Kuksu ............................................................................................. 48 An Overview of Pertinent Archaeological Sites ....................................................................... 54 CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................ 79 Mapping of Significant Places .................................................................................................. 80 Oral History Interviews with Contemporary Muwekma Tribal Members ................................ 81 v CHAPTER 5: ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESULTS ................................................................... 85 Gifford’s California Shell Typology ......................................................................................... 86 Archaeological Implications ..................................................................................................... 91 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 92 CHAPTER 6: MUWEKMA OHLONE ORAL HISTORY RESULTS ................................. 94 Dolores “Dottie” Galvan Lameira ............................................................................................. 94 Mary Louisa Cline ..................................................................................................................... 98 Frank Ruano ............................................................................................................................ 100 Sheila Guzman-Schmidt .......................................................................................................... 103