California Ancient Peoples.

During the Archaic period (9000-2000 b.c.e.), ancient peoples settled new and ever more diverse subregions within what became California and the American West. The Archaic period represents the transition from a lifestyle that featured the hunting of larger game animals toward one in which agriculture featured more prominently. During this period, although much of the Americas underwent what has been termed a “broad-spectrum revolution” by archaeologist Kent Flannery, in California, the adoption of agriculture and sedentary village life took place more slowly. California peoples very gradually transitioned toward a dependence on the bountiful seeds, acorns, and maritime resources available in that region. This subsistence pattern initially allowed for relatively small settlements consisting primarily of temporary dwellings housing only a few dozen people per site. The California peoples set up temporary base camps, summer or winter encampments, and other forms of shelter intended to take advantage of seasonally available foodstuffs.