Milling Stone Horizon Peoples; Southern California
Various stones including basalt; average dimension: 3.75 x 1.5 in.
Gifts of Chas M. Decker, Mary J. Newland and Hirim Whisler
478, 536, 11669, 3649, 477 Known as cog stones or cogged stones, these archaeological materials have been found throughout the Southern California area with large deposits found along the Santa Ana River valley. Cog stones are named so because of their indentations that give them the appearance much like that of a cogwheel. Some cog stones are pierced through the center and others have flat surfaces. Four separate styles have been identified based on perforation and groove depth and length. Cog stones are remarkable in that they are found nowhere else in the world and archaeologists and scholars are unsure what their exact function was. The stones’ enigmatic status has led researchers to develop several theories of their purpose, including that the objects served a ritual purpose. Usually found on ocean bluffs or other coastal hilly areas, the stones are attributed to the ancient and non-nomadic people of the Milling Stone Horizon culture.
All images and text under copyright. Please contact Collection Department for permission to use. Information subject to change with further research.
Various stones including basalt; average dimension: 3.75 x 1.5 in.
Gifts of Chas M. Decker, Mary J. Newland and Hirim Whisler
478, 536, 11669, 3649, 477 Known as cog stones or cogged stones, these archaeological materials have been found throughout the Southern California area with large deposits found along the Santa Ana River valley. Cog stones are named so because of their indentations that give them the appearance much like that of a cogwheel. Some cog stones are pierced through the center and others have flat surfaces. Four separate styles have been identified based on perforation and groove depth and length. Cog stones are remarkable in that they are found nowhere else in the world and archaeologists and scholars are unsure what their exact function was. The stones’ enigmatic status has led researchers to develop several theories of their purpose, including that the objects served a ritual purpose. Usually found on ocean bluffs or other coastal hilly areas, the stones are attributed to the ancient and non-nomadic people of the Milling Stone Horizon culture.
All images and text under copyright. Please contact Collection Department for permission to use. Information subject to change with further research.