Artifact of the Week: Stone Scraper

Just about everything we know about the people of the Early Holocene is based on stone tools found at archaeological sites. The people most likely had tools made of wood or bone, but these softer materials have disappeared over time.

Scrapers were an important tool during the early Holocene. They could be used to skin animals, scrape the bark off a branch to make a spear handle, or cut meat.

In 1919, Malcolm J. Rogers discovered the Harris Archaeological Site, which preserved two distinct layers of occupation in the San Dieguito River Valley. In the lowest layer, he found large stone scrapers, flaked projectile points, and crescent shaped objects. He originally called these people the “Scraper Makers.” Later, this culture became known as the San Dieguito Complex.

Date: San Dieguito Complex (10,000 ya – 7,500 ya)
Material Class: Chipped Stone

Want to learn more? Visit the exhibit By Land and By Sea currently on view at the Center.