Implements from Lake Mohave

Extract

Archaeological reconnaisance work along the ancient shore lines of desiccated Lake Mohave, located south of Death Valley in California, has been interpreted by Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and their associates. Groups of implements were found along the old beach line located above the present playa. These were found at approximately the same vertical elevation. Most geologists, including D. G. Thompson, O. E. Meinzer, and E. Antevs, are concurrent in the belief that the desiccation of this lake took place in late Pleistocene times; although Thompson believes the antiquity to be uncertain. The age of the lake, together with neighboring lake beds which are also desiccated, was interpreted by geologists before archaeologists became interested in the problem; however, it is possible that the groups of implements found exposed in the beaches might be considerably younger than the Pleistocene phase of the lake's existence. The presence of modern camp sites containing materials typologically different than those mentioned above was determined at the southern portion of the lake near existing or recent springs.