Informative archaeological signatures at Bahía de las Ánimas, Baja California

Abstract

Bahía de las Ánimas along Baja California's central GuIf coast was a major focus of prebistoric activities. Here family groups relied on a rich and diverse marine and terrestrial food base close at hand. Numerous archaeological sites are evident including shellmounds, f1aked stone tool worlcshops, smaller residential bases, and a mortuary center. Occupation is evident from initial Mission-era sites with brown ware ceramics to remains perhaps thousands of years old. It is hypothesized that over time the regional inhabitants may have intensified and diversified their food gathering practices with concomitant popuJation increases and links with areas nearby including those to the interior and Bahía de los Ángeles. Stress reduction mechanisms, in addition to the regionallinks with othec groups, may have included various ritual activities and the beginnings of social differentiation.

Keywords

• Actividades prehistóricas
• Utensilios construidos
• Cultura