Terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene Occupations of Isla de Cedros, Baja California, Mexico

Abstract

ABSTRACT Isla de Cedros is a high, rocky island located on the Pacific Coast of Baja California 685 km south of San Diego. Its arid but temperate marine climate provides excellent conditions of archaeological preservation and visibility. Over the last five years, the Proyecto Arqueologico Isla de Cedros has documented a diverse and rich archaeological record on the island. In addition to many more recent deposits, at least two coastal shell middens have been identified that were occupied during the Early Holocene and Terminal Pleistocene. Initial investigation of these sites, including 14C dating and limited excavations at the largest and most intact example (PAIC-44, Cerro Pedregoso), provides an opportunity to address issues related to the nature and antiquity of maritime adaptations along the eastern Pacific Rim, and potentially the peopling of the New World.