Before California is the first comprehensive look at the history of the
Golden State prior to the arrival of European settlers. Written by
America's best known archaeological trade and textbook author, the book
describes the process of settlement of the Pacific Coast by
Paleo-Indians and the environmental and human transformations of the
next 13,000 years, emphasizing themes of adaptation, interconnectedness,
and spirituality. More than a rehashing of received wisdom, Fagan
explores the controversies surrounding the first human settlement, then
describes the first peoples to colonize the Pacific coast and offshore
islands, their watercraft and fishing practices. The transformation from
a gathering economy to acorn processing and hunting is highlighted, as
is the increasing social complexity, gender differentiation, and
intensification of intergroup conflict and trade. Individual chapters
describe distinctive societies in widely contrasting
environments--northwest salmon fishers, Bay area shell mound
communities, Central Valley wetland villagers, desert foragers, and the
sophisticated coastal societies of the Channel Islands region. Fagan
also devotes a chapter to California's rock art, melding his description
with wider cultural events. Calling upon a century of archaeological
research, Fagan provides an jargon-free, well-illustrated account
accessible to the general public interested in the early history and
indigenous peoples of the state. Before California also makes an ideal
textbook for courses in California history, archaeology, and native
peoples.
