Pepperdine University Archaeological Survey and Excavation Collection, 1970-1977

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Summary

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

Background

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.

Acquisition information:
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.
Processing information:

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

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Advance notice required for access.

Terms of access:

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

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.

Location of this collection:
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-4786, US
Contact:
(310) 506-4323
specialcollections@pepperdine.edu
Website