Before Pepperdine University existed, the Chumash Native Americans inhabited what is modern day Malibu. Their invention and use of the plank canoe (tomol), their beautifully crafted baskets, tools and bead making, and their customs/beliefs are what make the Chumash unique.The Chumash are still present and thriving today in Southern California. In 1970, UCLA Archaeologist John Beaton and his team surveyed the site that would become Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. They excavated a rock shelter at Winter Canyon that uncovered 597 artifacts which were catalogued and returned to Pepperdine in 1977. The collection includes memoranda, correspondence, and notes regarding the excavation, as well as the artifacts discovered. The discovered artifacts are believe to be from the 13th century and related to the Chumash, the first inhabitants of Malibu.

8 Linear Feet 7 cartons, 1 half-hollinger box, and 2 flat boxes.

Restrictions apply. Please contact Pepperdine University's Special Collections and University Archives.

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