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The San Dieguito Complex: A Review and Hypothesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Claude N. Warren*
Affiliation:
Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho

Abstract

The confusing terminology surrounding the San Dieguito complex is reviewed, and a critical evaluation of the content of this complex is undertaken. The San Dieguito complex is redefined and includes Lake Mohave, Death Valley I, and Playa I and II complexes. An age of greater than 6000 B.C. is shown for at least one component of the complex and a date of 7000 to 8000 B.C. is suggested for the complex as a whole.

The hypothesis is developed that the San Dieguito complex is distinct from the Desert culture and represents a generalized hunting tradition which moved into the area along a north-south belt in the western Great Basin.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1967

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