PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS INTO ROCK ART SITES ALONG THE MIDDLE FORK OF THE AND PICAYUNE ~. . !iydration Band VALLEY, PLACER COUNTI, ...:. Mean Range Not measured 7.0 6.9-7.1 Nolan Smith 7.0 6.9-7.1 USPS 7.8 7.7-8.1 Foresthill Ran~er District 9.2 9.1-9.3 Foresthill, CA 95631 9.3 9.1-9.5 [email protected] 8.5 8.5-8.6 6.0 5.9-6.0 Jena Rogers 8.1 8.0-8.2 Archaeol~~cal ReSearch Center CSU Sacramento 7.9 Sacramento, CA 95819 [email protected]

, Early investigations "" Willis Gortner (1988) disclosed numerous Northern Sierra Style-7 petroglyph Totals sites along the Middfl Fork ofthe American River and in PicaJ!4ne Valley, southern Placer County. I:ll0 Recently, systematic inventories conducted by Tahoe National Forest archaeologists and the Friends of 3.4 <0.1 Sierra Rock Art have discovered many new petroglyph sites. In this paper, an overview is presented ofthe 0.5 trace data collected during the past {our years. . 0.1 0.7 trace 12.2 71.9 0.8 To begin, p'ctroglyphs are rock carvings, Foster et al.'s CDF publication (n.d.); Style 0.3 trace distinctive from eictograp'hs, which are rock 7 is defined as follows: 1.3 27.2 0.3 paintings. Contributions by Steward (1929), These are distinctive ~troglyph 0.1 trace trace Pa~n (1966; 1976), Heizer and Clewlow panels on bedrock suifaces in the 1.8 (1973), Clewlow (1978) and Whitley higher elevations of the northern 1050.3 8303.7 95.0 1.3 trace (2000) have further describedjrehistoric . Style 7 rock art 0.1 trace petroglyph sites and attempte to classify panels are more complex and 0.2 1.8 trace these resources by the style ofelements contain greater variety of design 10.0 0.1 present. Recently, Foster, Betts and Sandelin elements than any other 8.2 52.8 0.6 tn.d.) have consIdered Style-7 petroglyphs . prehistoric rock art style in the 1.2 15.5 0.2 in association with Martis-style sites. northern Sierra Nevada region, 1.3 27.6 0.3 and although considerable 0.2 trace Elements are individual symbols, characters, variation exists in design 0.3 trace 1.2 sha~ etc. such as a wavy line, a bear paw, elements, there is no underlying 12.6 105.4 arucle. Panels are basically a collection of rigidity (Payen 1966:66). 0.2 1.8 trace 10.9 97.4 1.1 elements, and are often based on the Common designs include 1.0 5.9 0.1 physical features ofthe rock itsel£ For concentric circles, simple circles 1.7 10.2 0.1 example, many rock outcrops contain elaborated by line elements, 0.8 15.7 0.2 fissures, whicli separate the outcrop into wavy lines of varying 1.7 12.9 0.1 discrete workspaces or panels. complexity, tracks, and anthropomorphic-zoomorphic 1103.7 8768.5 Northern Sierra Rock Art styles are representations (ibid). currently' divided into seven types, including the pit, the pit and groove, the complex pit GEOPHYSICAL SETIING and groove, two types of pictographS, tbe Valley-Sierran abStract, and finaIly the The study area is located approximately 45 category ofour focus, the Style-7 High miles east ofForesthill, and IS situated In a Sierran abstract-representational. Standard glacially' carved valley near the headwaters of descriptions of these styles can be found in the Mi

43 project area extends from below 6,000 feet PREHISTORY AND HISTORY ChiefWilderness, which incbll at the northern valley floor to 7,680 feet at Valley and now protects it &m the south head of Picayune Valley. The Prehistoric activity is represented in exploitation. Adilitionallr., can: vegetation is generally mixed conifer Picayune Valley and the adjacent Middle hiking are limited and Wlldem interspersed with meadows and rocky Fork by primarily Martis-style assemblages ­ patrol the area during accessim outcrops of sparse vegetation. An unnamed and petr~lyphs - and more rarely, chert assure that hikers kee~ to the II tributary, sometimes referred to as Picay~1Oe and obsidian tools and debitage, not damage the vall~ s.resoUl'l Creek, extends alo~g the valley floor, fed by groundstone, and bedrock mortars. mentioned, the exfouatIon of: snmypack and small mountain lakes located Ethnographic data suggests that the valley is glyphs makes them extraordim on the surrounding ridges. within both the Nisenan and Washoe and they are easily ciamaJ!ed bJ territories, impl~ng that either grol!P ma~ them. Intention:il vanda1ism II We had the fortune of geologic have utilized the bedrock outcrops for theIr chalking for bener phot~, ~ contributions to this project by former art, and suggesting the possibility ofcultural into the rock, and removal of Geologist Anne diffusion in this area between the two souvenIrs. Boyd, who aided us immensely in groups. undersranding the nature of the formations PICAYUNE ·PIr HACKl in the Picayune Valley, which have long Picayune Valley, like many high-elevation been known to be mis-classified on the valleys, was spared from the hIghly In the summer of 19%' rht sa Chico Geol?gical Sheet (Saucedo and destructive exploitations of the Gold Rush. met with members of both lht4 Wagner 1962). Anne explained that In 1864 a mining district was established Rock Art Research Associatioo "Picayune Valley contains evidence of nearly that apparently tailed to yield much gold; and the Friends of Sierra Roell every major geologic event that helped shape the mmers called it picayune after the duri~g ajoint visit to petroglyi the north central Sierran mountain range of smallest coin (five cents) of the mid­ Middle Fork of the American. today." In her report (1999), she states that nineteenth century, which came to mean Picayune Valley. Duri~ the u the oldest rocks 10 the valley are the meta­ paltry or insignificant (Gudde 1949:244). number of ideas were ruscussc: sediments of the Sailor Canyon Formation, protection of the petroglvPhs., which characterizes the western side of the The late nineteenth- and early twentieth­ monitoring, a reView of {;orm valley. The eastern valley is intrusive granite century Eur

44 ilY AND HISTORY ChiefWilderness. which includes Picayune organization's members had years of Valley and now protects it from commercial experience in identifying and !Donitoring. ris~redin exploitation. Adrutionallr., camping and petroglyph sites. The PIT proJe~t wo~ld:in III me adjacent Middle hiking are limited and WIlderness rangers Wrn provide FSRA members WIth skills In Martis-siyle assemblages patrol the area during accessible seasons to observing other archaeological resource .and. more rarely, chert assure that hikers kee~ to the trail and do types and training in site recordation. 5and. debirage, not damage the valley s resources. As bedrock mortarS. mentioned, the exfolIation of many of the During the next four field seasons, these I suggests mat the valley is glyphs makes them extraordinarily fragile, annual outings with FSRA accomplished: Usaian and Washoe and they are easily dam~ged by walking on • inventory on 1090 acres • mat either grouJl may them. Intentional vandalism has incluaed outcrops for their • monitoring and re-monitoring at bciIrock chalking for better photos. pecking designs over 50 sites IS the possibility of cultural into th~ rock, and removal of the panelS for • discovering of 18 new sites IICl between the twO souvenirs. • comprehensive donation of over PICAYUNE "PIT" BACKGROUND 1,200 hours of volunteer labor litmantle~-elevation In the summer of 1996, the senior author SITE DISCUSSION AND REVIEW iaIions• iiom of thehi"V!lY Gold Rush . met with members of both the Bay Area district was established Rock Art Research Association (BARARA) The following is a discussion of aU of the ~ to yield much gold; and the Friends of Sierra Rock Art (FSRA) site locations In relation to the river and the ~j[ ~ after. the trail from Talbot Campground into duri~g ajoint visit to pet~ogl}1l~ sites at ~e Picayune VaUey, discovered by the PIT ~ arus) of the nud­ Middle Fork of the American River and In ~. wbidl came to mean Picayune Valley. During the meeting, a crew. 'Pat (Gudde 1949:244). number of ideas were discussed at length: protection of the petroglyphs, site FS Site 05-17-54-40 I (Harman) is located ph.. and early twentieth­ monitoring, a revIew of Gortner's work, and on the current trail within 15 meters of a IJEuro-American ~ory of the need for a systematic inventory of the large waterfall. It consists of one panel and ~an be tied into grazmg by area. three elements. Common elemenlS include :PIers who ran theIr herds a wavy line and circle with spokes. Jtoday the Granite Chief Amajor part of the discussions centered ~n FS Site 05-17-54-402 (Drake) is located · .res have been reported, Willis Gortner's 1986 and 1988 research In approximately 50 meters from a large ~tincUve tree carvings of "the Cedars" on the North F?rk an~ along :bcen recorded. the Middle Fork of the Amencan River. No waterfall. It consislS of one panel and twO detailed survey coverage or inventory maps. elements. , was s~ from. a proposed existed, as confirmed oy FSRA members BIll FS Site 05-17-54-404 (Harm's Way) !GUY. reservoIr pro~t. Drake and Sunny Green. In 1994, straddles the trail and is approxi~at~ly 50 be Placer County Water archaeologist Jolin Betts re:recorded ~nd t903), "Iowa Hill Canal consolidated all of Gorrner s (1988) Sites meters from Picayune Cree~ Thl~ IS the. • water in Middle F?rk of with rock art sites recorded by Forest Service most complex site located, III that IS conslSlS ~ mat runs through Plca~e archaeologists along the Middle Fork. In the of two panels with bear paw, wavy line, and ~ asite in Picayune Valley spring of 1997, Betts confirmed that any circle elements; and a large scatter of basalt, and intend to cons:ruct a SItes not identified by his efforts were new obsidian, and jasper lithics, Martis-style moir, also Iowa H!ll Canal " discoveries. points, and mIlling implements. ISttUcUon TownshIp No.8. I plan oc'the Iowa Hill Canal FS Site 05-17-54-405 (Sunny Side Up) is Addressed next was the need to located approximately 300 meters from a IU came to pass, due to systematically inventory the Middle Fork ~water -rights issues. and Picayune Valley. Nolan proposed a large waterfall on a ~ge ou~crop. There are PassP.Ort in Time (PIT) project to the six panels with wavy hnes, etrcles WIth ~ has occurred within members of FSRA, a project that would spokes, concentric circles, and other designs. fey:hoth cattle and she~p entail a Forest Service-sponsored, wee~-lo.ng FS Site 05-17-54-406 (Van Fleet) is located _edwithin the entire trip to inventory Picayune Valley, begl~nmg fWddemess. In 1984 the . the following summer. FSRA was a logIcal on a large, high bench near the confluence iulient established the Granite partnership Choice because the of the Middle Fork and Picayune Creek.

45 Three panels were observed with a faint bear abstract elements occur here. This site deer-track elements were 01 paw, cucles, and wavy lines. provides aspectacular view of the valley. closest bird-track elemenlS approximately four miles D FS Site 05-17-54-411 (Dee Smith) is FS Site 05-17-54-429 (Harm's Vista) is Cedars" area of the North 1 located approximately 80 meters from a located on a high, mid-slol'e bench almost American River. No superi large wateifall on a lafge, flat outcrop. A 360 vertical feet above the Middle Fork of elements was observed. smiil basalt lithic scatter was observed, three the American River. When considering ~ible mortars, end-battered cobble, basalt vertical height above the valley floor or the As noted by Foster et at (n biface, and edge-modified flake. Six panels river, this sHe is the highest Mown to date. petroglyphs we observed WI show a bear paw, concentric circles, and It offers a spectacular view both up- and by peCKing. In many insran wavy lines. down-river. There are two panelS with were clearly visible on the ~ circles and radiating lines. evidence ofscratching (0Ih. FS Site 05-17-54-414 (Sunny Pond) is vandals) or abrading was 011 located at the edge of a glaciany carved pond FS Site 05-17-54-430 (Little Spring) is also one instance did we obsc:n, and approxi~tely 40 meters from the trail. located on a mid-slope bench approximately elements being incorpoIml One b3sa1t flake was observed, alon] with 160 vertical feet above the traiL There is rock features. In numerous; two panels of concentric circles and wavy one panel with circle, half circle, and wavy that natural rock panels M:I lines; some elements utilize natural rock lines. an artist uses apiece ofcam features. FS Site 05-17-54-431 (Lone Snake) is FUTURE STU FS Site 05-17-54-415 (ErwinNan Fleet) is located between two sites earlier recorded by located approximately 100 meters from Gortner and updated by Betts. It has one Gortner described various a Picayune Creek, near the trail. One basalt panel with an ISOlated. wavy-line, snake-type app'licable to pettoclvPh sin biface was collected, two panels with faint element. ana patination studies (aka wavy-line and circle elements were found. studies), association widt tri Some vandalism was noted. ANALYSIS legends, supeposition of~ appearance ofhistorical figu FS Site 05-17-54-416 (Erwin) is located on The sites located by Gormer (1988) radiocarbon dating ofassoci a mid-slope bench approximately 50 meters provided us with an understanding of the archaeological deposits, geoJ from the trail. There are three panels with rock palate used in petroglyph manufacture. and seriation of elemems an bear paw, spiral, and circle elements. A reVIew of the site distribution pointed by Gortner (I 984: 10-13), OIl towards sites associated with water sources interest to the study ofpem FS Site 05-17-54-419 (Three Bear Paws) is (e.g., streams), and sites that provide views located on a diagonally oriented outcrop of the surrounding terrain from within the However, it is unlikely that: approximately roo meters from Picayune valley floor context. Three ofGortner'sview p'recise dates for the creatiOJl Creek. It has one panel with three bear sites are located on high points or benches that we are discussing. Thea paws. between the river and the trail. In no and ongoing researcli by en instance did Gorrner find any site located on presents the most relevant e FS Site 05-17-54-420 (Walker) is located on mid-slope benches. A mid-sloee bench for our studies. By invescigariIJ a low bench approximate!y 60 vettical feet the purpose of this paeer is defined as asite of petroglyph sites wich ob above the Middle Fork of the American located over 40 verticil feet above the valley rypes, in this case Mactis-f.J1I River. Eleven panels contain the most floor. Our inventory identified five new De possible to contextualize intricately pecked designs recorded during mid-slop'e bench site that provide terms ofcultural patterns. this inventory. The site contains several spectacular views of the va1ley and sunlsrar-type representations and, fittingly, surrounding terrain. With this in mind, the nextt was found by an astronomer, Dr. Merle project should involve an:if:m Walker. Elements include numerous circles, Element Distribution site research, including XRIf wavy lines, lines, and rock features. recovered basalt and obsidial No anthrop<'!morphic elements have been hydration, for the Pica~ FS Site 05-17-54-428 (Sunny Vista) is observed within the study area. One Middle Fork headwaters. 11 located on a mid-slope bench almost 200 possible zoomorphic element vaguelY collection, housed at CSUs" vertical feet above the trail. Two panels representing "a possible mountaIn sheep" researched by CDF, but the: with astacked pattern of wavy ana was noted oy Betts (I994). Tracks are by the Tahoe National Fore interconnected straight lines and other limited to bear paws; no bird-, sheep-, or analysis.

46 au: here. This site deer-track elements were observed. The • view ofthe valley. closest bird-track elements are located In addition to research and continuation of approximately four miles north in "the transect surveyif!g, other interesting 19 (Harm's VISta) is cedars" area of the North Fork of the possibilities for fUture studies exist. The east ~ bench almost American River. No superimposition of end of Pica~ne Valley over to Mildred ..e me Middle Fork of elements was observed. Lakes is laced with low cave-like rock • What considering overhangs, which may contain evidence of t me valley floor or the As noted by Foster et al. (n.d.), all prehistoric use. Ahandful of these caves ~ bown to dare. petroglyphs we observed were manufactured have been visited so far, and have turned up by pecking. In many instances peck marks only recent debris, but many more remain • YJew both up- and ·.twO panek with were dearly visible on the rock surface. No to be visited. Also, artificial lighting was m evidence ofscratching (other than by employed at one site, and improved panel 1 vandals) or abrading was observed. In only visibility, revealing additional elements. f30 (link Spring) is also one instance did we observe petroglyph Further use of this technique will improve • bench approximately elements being incorporated lOto natural site documentation. ..the ttai[ There is rock features. In numerous cases it appeared X, halfcUcle, and wavy that natural rock panels were used much like CONCLUSIONS an artist uses a piece of canvas. In conclusion, the Picayune Valley and 131 (Lone Snake) is FUTURE STUDIES adjacent Middle Fork study is contributing wo sites earlier recorded by to the body of knowledge regarding Style-7 lid by Betts. It has one Gortner described various datil1g techniques High Sierran abstract-representational lad. wavy-line, snake-type app'licable to petroglyph sites. Weatherillg petroglyphs. The Forest Service and FSRA ana patination studies (aka desert varnish will continue their field inventory and studies), association with tribal histories and further tie the recovered data into the NALYSIS legends, supel1'0sition of elements, framework presented by Foster, Betts and appearance ofhistorical figures in glyphs, Sandelin (n.d.). IJyGormer(1988) radiocarbon dating of associated an understanding of the archaeological deposits, geologic deposits, REFERENCES CITED D ~oglyph manufacture. and seriatlon of elements all are addressed R Clistribution pointed by Gortner (1984: 10-13), and are still of Boyd, Anne a.dwith water sources interest to the study of petroglyphs. 1999 Picayune Valley Geology: ASierra if sites that provide views Nevada Work of Art. Manuscri~t on ig terrain from within the However, it is unlikely that we will obtain file at the Foresthill Ranger Station, ItThree ofGortner's view !,recise dates for the creation of the glyphs Tahoe National Forest. III hitdt points or benches that we are discussing. Therefore, t1ie recent Foster, Daniel G., John Betts and Linda C. ~'arufthe trail. In no and ongoing research by CDF (1999) , Sandelin mer find any site located on presents the most relevant framework for 1999 The Association of Style 7 Rock I!L Amid-sloP..,e bench for our studies. By investigating the association Art and The Martis Complex in the lis paP,f! is defined as asite of petroglyph sites with orner prehistoric site Northern Sierra Nevada of California. ~ feet above the valley types, in this case Martis-type sites, it may Paper presented at the 33rd Annual ItDIy identified five new De possible to contextualize the glyphs in Meetin~ of the Society for California site that ~.rovide terms of cultural patterns. Archaeology, Bakersfield, CA April 3­ i of me valley and 5, 1999 am. With this in mind, the next step for this Gortner, Willis A project should involve artifact analysis and 1984 Ancient Rock Carvings on the Ilion site research, including XRF studies of Central Sierra: The North Fork recovered basalt and obsidian, and of course Petroglyphs. Portola Press, Woodside, rphic elements have been hydration, for the Picayune Valley and CA. the study area. One Middle Fork headwaters. The Gortner 1986 The Willis Gortner Site Records: phic element vaguelY collection, housed at CSUS, has been Petroglyph Sites Near "The Cedars", ~ble mountam sheep" researched by CDF, but the artifacts curated Placer County, California. California :Us (1994). Tracks are by the Tahoe National Forest still require Department of Forestry and Fire :taWS; no bird-, sheep-, or analysis.

47 Protection Archaeology Office, TI Sacramento. 1988 The Willis Gortner Site Records, Volume Two: 19 Petroglyph Sites Along The MidJk Fork ofthe American River, Placer County. California. California Depamnent of Forestry and Fire Protection Archaeology Office, Sacramento. Gudde, Ivwin R, 1949 California Place Names, The Origin and El)'lllology ofCurrent Deep construction txCJl1llllin I Geographical Names. University of diagnostic artifocts. partictJl" Califurnia Press, Berkeley, Los included OlivelitJ types Al ... Angeles, London. beads. Ochre staimng fill the' Placer COunty Water Rights Book A indications ofcontact with1m Mar 20, 1872 - Dec 11, 1903: Pg. 42 interment ritual in the grtnlt ~ July 19, 1874. the oUest dated burials with /j Paven, LOuis A regtons. 1966 Prehistoric Rock Art in the Northern Sierra Nevada, California. Excavation for a parking StrU Unpublished Master's thesis, levels of underground parkiu Sacramento State College, human osteological remains. Sacramento. 2000. The remains were obi 1976 An Archaeological Reconnaissance reported by construction WOI of Potential Land Exchanges in the bemg exposed while diR Sierra Valley, Lacey Valley and excavation equipment; 3iclii Independence Lake Areas. Tahoe Native Amencans were contI National Forest Cultural Resources consulted. The coroner's olE Report No.2. Nevada City, CA American Heritage Commiss Saucedo, G. J. and D. L. Wagner representatives from the CigJ 1962 Geologic Map' of the Chico worked with the author and: Quadrangle, California, 1:250,000. (Most Likely Descendent) in! The California Department of the excavation, stu4J', and re: Conservation, DiVision ofMines and remains. As_part of the corm Geology. Sacramento. cadaver-smelling dogs were H area, and the do~ noted sm dose to the buriil where odii remains might be present. FINDINGSi

Archaeological excavation COl the exposure of the known m search in back dirt for oilier . backhoe excavation where rill identified areas for the arch. explore further. The s~il ~ transported approximately ~ away, and examination of mtl stockpile of soils failed to rCVI additional archaeological mali backhoe excavation did not ex

48