Millingstones (Metates and Mano)
millingstones (metate and mano)
Initial Early Period
8,500 - 6,500
Before Present

Large, shallow basin metates and handstones (manos) were the form of millingstone common in the Chumash area until about 5,000 years ago. They were used to grind small wild seeds for food.



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This Tishle' blade is the only surviving example of a Chumash tomol paddle. The paddle was collected during Vancouver's visit to the Santa Barbara area in 1793 and presently resides in the British Museum collection.

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