Searching For Prehistoric Artifacts In The High Desert

This particular geographic area, at one time, was much cooler and wetter. Bodies of water existed here in what is now high, arid desert. Cultures were tethered to these bodies of water and wetlands, the resources sustaining their way of life.
That being said, I've come upon a very interesting area. High ground surrounds what more than likely was an ancient body of water or wetland. On the sides and tops of this higher ground are copious amounts of lithic material suggesting more than just a hunting camp. It looks like a large tool production site since obsidian is readily available.
The lithic material extends for miles in every direction suggesting that this was a large operation that probably was in action for a long period of time!
So join me as I head out to discover what once was...
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Visitation to sites such as this should be done with the utmost respect. The artwork is not simply graffiti, it is a window into the past and it is culturally significant. Please take great care when visiting and observing these places.

[@EnigmaClandestino]

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[@drobertsmithjewelry]

Hey D-Rock! Very intriguing.
Here’s my take on what you’re seeing.
I think this area, as you point to, is a source area for obsidian nodules.
But I also believe, you are looking at debutahe and artifacts from different periods. Paleo to relatively rrcent times. A resource like this would be well known to many groups in the region. Some of the partial pints look to be later-like the section of the narrow point, which could be anywhere from late archaic, to modern, which the latter could be as late as early 20th century, as it could be for an arrow, or dart point. Then you pick up the monster section, and that’s obviously paleo to archaic.
Debitage eould have been reworked too, as like us today, it is less labor.
I’d say, without really looking at it in person, your assumptions that it spans thousands of years is very possible. The artifacts kind of say so too.
Some great finds!

[@a.hammond8320]

There are similar sites littered with thousands of obsidian chips in northern California and Oregon. Some of these sites appear to have been just point making sites with no evidence of habitation, while others were clearly in a small village. Based on some of the amazing obsidian objects found, I have come to believe that there was a lot more to the role of point making in these early cultures than many of us have ever imagined. An abundance of finely crafted obsidian points would have been a source of wealth and status for a tribe and may have been used as a form of currency.

[@peterwaksman9179]

At 13:35. I have some like that from Southern NV. I think they were for scraping and cutting.

[@emmettrobinson9708]

Hey, my friend glad to see you out And about. This is emmetti've left a comment before. I'm 68 years old. I'm coming out. There this coming Spring with my grandson. Keep up the good work.

[@dtork47]

You really make it interesting and as if I’m along….thanks so much. Stay safe. Also enjoyed very much your posts from Peru! All the best

[@donwagner7395]

Another marvelous escapade into the high desert with you and your faithful companion. You camera work is some of the best and makes each adventure personal and extremely interesting. I always enjoy your lead ins with the topographical overview and explanations of what the land was like in ancient times. The overwhelming abundance of obsidian flakes and workings raises the question for me, were these people manufacturing tools and weapons for trade? Whatever the answer there was a heck of a lot happening back in that era. The tool you found and displayed at 17:51 is really fascinating and perplexing. Totally smooth on the back side and the top is notched and would possibly fit in the hand with the index finger in the notch, but its use is a puzzle. I had to laugh at your comment about that huge point, they weren't hunting ducks! All in all another thoroughly entertaining and educational video. Thanks! 'Till next time, adios

[@cj4688]

Excellent video!

[@stephenjensen93]

After watching many videos about the ancient cultures of the nomadic and the topics seem to focus on hunting + gathering groups and then adaptation of agriculture. I have hunted the game animals of North America and witnessed their feeding patterns. I have watched bears forage bee hives and dig for grubs. Obviously the ancient people would have seen this and done the same thing. I realize most of our history is lost and even boats are lost to erosion. My thought is that the ancient humans ate everything at their disposal. They could have even used insects and especially honey medicinally. To be that connected to our universe would have unimaginably awesome

[@TrailStrider909]

1st comment on a great vid! Love the spot light you give on this part of history!