Anthropology
Check our anthropology FAQ for information about artifacts and more. Our Chumash Life pages for teachers and students provide a basic introduction to some aspects of traditional daily life.
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- Anthropology
- Rocks & Fossils
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- Recently Asked
“I am reading The Noontide Sun. In the book by Arlene Benson based off Stephen Bowers. He says he found two mortars. Carved from whale vertebrae. Did these make it to the SBMNH? Very curious to s...”
Joshua, Frazier Park - October 18, 2021
“Hello I am a social studies teacher and will be showing this to my class, I believe it might be an artifact of significance. Found in rocks below cliffs at a known location of Tongva villag...”
Nicole, Palos Verdes Estates - September 19, 2021
“On the north side of Santa Cruz Island I haves seen a couple small caves high up on ridgelines that appeared to have soot staining on the wall and roof. The caves are open to the sea to the nort...”
Don, boat in Channel Islands harbor - August 26, 2021
“Live in Oak View (Ventura County) near Ventura River. Dug up (within 12" from surface) this perfectly spherical shaped sandstone ball approx. 50' from house. Its diameter measures 2.825" and it...”
Spencer, Oak View - May 31, 2021
“On the Natural History's Chumash page, I read the Chumash people were hunter-gathers. Did they hunt large animals like bears and mountain lions?”
Katelyn, Santa Barbara - May 22, 2021
“I am working in Santa Barbara and hike after work. Are there any public mortar sites or food processing sites? I have seen some in San roque, San Antonio creek parks. Are there more we can view?...”
Joshua, Santa Barbara - March 2, 2021
“I recall years ago hearing that there were people living in this area prior to the Chumash. The name I recall for these earlier people was "Oak Grove" people. However, a search of the web using...”
Wes Chapin, Somis, CA - February 16, 2021
“Dear museum scientists,
while camping on Paradise Rd near the Santa Ynez River in August, I found what appears to be a tool of some sort in the dry river bed. I am hoping to hear if...”
Bret Klopfenstein, Ventura, CA - January 16, 2021
“Hello SB Natural History Museum,
I think it's wonderful that you provide this ask-a-curator service, thank you. My question:
My daughter and I found a rock that looks a lot l...”
Brent, Santa Barbara - August 29, 2020
“Hi,
I recently found this rock, which looks like a Chumash pestle or grinding stone, near a construction site at Hendry's beach. Do you think it is real? Is it something I should turn in...”
Melinda, Santa Barbara - August 28, 2020
