PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY FOR CALIFORNIA ARCHAEOLOGY


“Rock Rooms, Stacks, and Granary Bases:
The Stone Architecture of Westwood Valley”


Richard L. Carrico

Abstract


The rock complexes and other rock features located within the Westwood Valley in western San Diego County were recorded and excavated during fieldwork conducted in 1985-86. A complex consisting of 16 interconnecting rooms built within a large bedrock outcrop, with stone features including granary bases and rock walls were located along a large seasonal drainage. Eight of the 16 rock rooms were excavated; the others will be preserved in open space. Carbon-14 dates and diagnostic artifacts place occupation and use of the rooms within the Late Prehistoric/Contact Period circa A.D. 1500-1800.

It is suggested that stone architecture among the Late Prehistoric peoples of San Diego County is far more common than previously reported and that in the foothills and mountains, stone works may be a significant cultural element.

 

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