Archaeological sites contain the physical remains of these past activities and environments, and archaeologists, Native Americans, and scientists from various disciplines work together to collect and interpret the information that lies in the ground. Although our predecessors left no written history, the oral traditions of their descendants, combined with physical evidence uncovered during archaeological excavations, can create a picture, as yet incomplete, of past lifeways.
Most archaeological studies conducted in California are the result of construction projects.
Fortunately, State and Federal laws protect archaeological sites, so we are able to retrieve information that would otherwise be lost. It must be remembered, however, that archaeological excavations, by their very nature, are destructive, so studies must be conducted in a controlled and systematic manner, with careful documentation of each find. One of their most important tasks is to give advice regarding the proper and dignified treatment of human burials and other sacred remains, according to traditional customs. The map shows the position of the site on the landscape, and the location of artifacts, excavation units, and natural features like rock outcrops, trees, and streams. If a cultural resource is destroyed, the map may be the only detailed record of what it looked like.