PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY FOR CALIFORNIA ARCHAEOLOGY
1988-2004
“Human Burials”
Wayne H. Bonner
Abstract
During the course of mechanical trenching at the ARCO Refinery in Carson, California, human remains were exposed. It is estimated that some 50 individuals are represented. Within the group are a full age range fron infancy to adult. Both genders are represented. Although many of the skeletons were severely impacted by the trenching and earlier excavation, at least 27 were sufficiently intact to permit careful hand excavation. It would appear that there were two distinct burial episodes: the lower grouping, in which the individuals were carefully laid out, sometimes still holding burial items; and an upper grouping in which individuals appear to have been interred hastily in random positions and directions. Recovered artifacts suggest a Protohistoric time frame with prehistoric items predominating, but with some glass beads and other historic items present.