On Friday, October 18, local historian and archaeologist Hank Meals will give a public presentation on “Native American Bedrock Milling Stations: What are They? Why are They Important?.” The free event takes place at Nevada City’s Madelyn Helling Library on Maidu Ave. at 7pm.
People who have hiked in the Bear-Yuba Watershed have likely seen mortar holes in bedrock outcrops. They are the most visible and abundant reminder of the native Nisenan people’s diligent and productive behavior. Moving to different traditional camps as plants ripen and animals migrate is one dimension of gathering. but there was a social dimension too. Gathering was also a time to meet other traveling groups of people for trade, news, diplomacy, ceremony, chanting, and dancing, and the pleasure of fresh and renewed friendships.
This presentation is an opportunity to learn more about the sophistication of bedrock milling stations, their uses, distribution and the settings chosen. Recently, there have been advances in archaeological theory and technology that will be addressed.
Hank Meals is not an expert on traditional ecological knowledge, but he is awe-struck by the system’s subtle intricacy and elegance. Hank worked for 20 years as a field archaeologist and is an avid hiker who has been rambling in the Yuba-Bear watershed for over 50 years. He is also an active writer and photographer.
He states that, “The mortars have a legacy, beyond their original use in that they continue to influence artists, ecologists, wondering wanderers, geographers, poets, painters and others. Each setting has a distinctive aesthetic and logic that stretches the imagination and spiritual insights.”
Local residents are invited to come see how these important landmarks can be appreciated from many perspectives.
Friends of Sierra Rock Art, which is sponsoring the event, works with the Tahoe National Forest, other agencies, and Native Americans to protect cultural resources. It is the first non-professional organization to have received the Society for California Archaeology’s prestigious Helen C. Smith award for contributions to California archaeology.
Masks are encouraged.
For more information go to www.sierrarockart.com or contact Bill Drake at billdrake2@gmail.com.