The Finding Aid of the Pepperdine University Archaeological Survey and Excavation Collection 0114

Katie Richardson, updated by Brendan Morris
Pepperdine University. Special Collections and University Archives.
July 2013, October 2021
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu 90263-4786
kelsey.knox@pepperdine.edu


Contributing Institution: Pepperdine University. Special Collections and University Archives.
Title: Pepperdine University Archaeological Survey and Excavation Collection
Identifier/Call Number: 0114
Identifier/Call Number: 136
Physical Description: 8 Linear Feet 7 cartons, 1 half-hollinger box, and 2 flat boxes.
Date (inclusive): 1970-1977
Abstract: 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.
Language of Material: English .

Conditions Governing Access

Advance notice required for access.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Archaeologist John M. Beaton and his crew uncovered 597 artifacts. They returned the artifacts to Pepperdine University in August, 1971. The artifacts remained in the Provost's office for a short time before they were transferred to the Natural Science Division. On March 25, 2013, the artifacts were transferred to Pepperdine Libraries.

Preferred Citation

[Box/folder# or item name], Pepperdine University Archaeological Survey and Excavation Collection, Collection no. 0114, Malibu Historical Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Pepperdine University.

Processing Information note

The collection was initially arranged and described by Katie Richardson in July, 2013. Brendan Morris continued processing the collection in 2021.

Scope and Content

The collection includes the artifacts uncovered during the excavation believed to be from the 13th century and related to Chumash Native Americans, the first inhabitants of Malibu, California. The collection also includes memoranda, correspondence, and notes regarding an excavation led by UCLA Archaeologist John Beaton and his team during the summer of 1970, of what would become the site for Pepperdine University's campus in Malibu, California.

Conditions Governing Use

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

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Antiquities
Memorandums
Press releases
Malibu (Calif.) -- History
Excavations (Archaeology) -- United States
Archaeological assemblages
Universities and colleges -- California -- History
Correspondence
Chumash Indians
Frashier, Loyd D.
University of California, Los Angeles. Institute of Archaeology
Beaton, John M.
Banowsky, William Slater
Pepperdine University
Chumash Native Americans

 

Papers 1970-1971

box 1, folder 1

Archaeological Field Catalog 1970-10-07

box 1, folder 2

Correspondence and Press Release 1970-1971

 

Artifacts

 

Box 2

Scope and Contents

Shells, bone Fragments, projectile points, bone fragments, and charcoal.
 

Box 3

Scope and Contents

Large grinding stone.
 

Box 4

Scope and Contents

12 small jars of bone fragments, 1 small jar of shell, 2 loose bone fragments, 6 stones, box of stone fragements, 13 small jars and 3 tubes of shells/shell fragments, 3 loose shell fragments, 1 small jar of bone fragments.
 

Box 5

Scope and Contents

13 small jars and 1 tube of shells/shell fragments, 1 box of stone fragments, 1 box of stone and shells.
 

Box 6

Scope and Contents

18 loose stones/stone fragments, 1 box of stones/stone fragments.
 

Box 7

Scope and Contents

Boxes of rocks.
 

Box 8

Scope and Contents

3 boxes of rocks/rock fragments and 6 loose rocks.
 

Box 9

Scope and Contents

1 loose rock, 2 boxes of rocks/rock fragments, and 1 shell.
 

Box 10

Scope and Contents

1 bag of rocks/rock fragments, 1 box of rocks/rock fragments, many loose rocks/rock fragments.