The Journal of California Anthropology

During recent research in Owens Valley, eastern California, well-preserved aboriginal wood structures (Fig. 1) were found at two sites. The unusual degree of preservation of these dwellings permitted certain interesting observations about their configuration and construction not ordinarily possible in archaeological contexts. Both sites are located in the Inyo Mountains, which form the southeastern boundary of Owens Valley, and both lie within the historic territory of the Owens Valley Paiute (Steward 1933:235-236). One site, Pinyon House (designated C-3x-l), is situated on a relatively flat, northeast-southwest trending ridge on the western slope of the range. The other, Juniper Village (C-58-5), is situated on a north-south trending ridge on the eastern slope of the range. Both sites are identified as winter camps.