Test Excavation and Significance Assessment of Archaeological Site SBr-4448, a Rockshelter in the Drinkwater Basin, Fort Irwin, San Bernardino County, California

摘要

Archeological site SBr-4448 was mapped and tested for subsurface deposition in conjunction with an evaluation of its significance and eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. This rockshelter is located at the base of the Granite Mountains overlooking Drinkwater Basin on the Fort Irwin Military Reservation, San Bernardino County, California. Cultural deposits at the site were generally shallow, homogenous and moderately disturbed from rodent activity. The density and types of cultural material recovered indicate a short term, sporadic occupation of the site dating to the Shoshonean period (A.D. 1200-Historic). The results of faunal and lithic analyses provide no evidence of major economically-oriented activities at the site. Nonetheless, SBr-4448 has research potential as an example of a single phase site with culturally unmixed deposits. Planned military usage of Drinkwater Basin is not expected to adversely affect site SBr-4448. The site is judged to have National Register potential and site conservation is recommended through continued avoidance.