| In this thesis, I argue that during the late Middle Period (AD 650--1300) inhabitants of the Northern Channel Islands, the Chumash, increased bead production and exchange to reduce risk associated with subsistence stress. At the time of European contact (AD 1542) beads made from Olivella biplicata shell were the primary medium of exchange among the Chumash. In this study, bead manufacturing detritus was used as a proxy to measure changes in bead production through time. I examined detritus from 18 sites on Santa Rosa, 3 on Santa Cruz and 2 on San Miguel. Thirteen shell beads were then selected from 10 sites on Santa Rosa for AMS radiocarbon dating. The results indicate that bead production began to increase around AD 650--800, coinciding with unstable climatic conditions and decreased precipitation. Beads were important exchange items and therefore intensified production reflects increased trade. Exchange reduced the risk associated with heightened subsistence stress. |
