Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Cast of c. 1485-1780 Bat Ray (Stingray) Spine, 2019 |
Object Name |
Replica |
Description |
Cast of c. 1485-1780 Bat Ray (Stingray) Spine, 2019. Resin replica cast of a bat ray spine. Tan and brown spine is elongated and convexed, with a rough lined texture covering the surface. One end comes to a sharp point, and the other is relatively blunt and wide. |
Date |
2019 |
Creator |
Basin Research Associates |
Role |
Sculptor |
Catalog Number |
2020.003.011 |
Dimensions |
H-3.25 W-0.375 D-0.125 inches |
Collection |
3D - Documentary Objects |
Provenance |
Replica cast of bat ray spine recovered from Sanchez Adobe historic site in Pacifica, CA; original artifact was collected by biological anthropologist and archaeologist Christopher Canzonieri, M.A., RPA. (site: CA-SMA-71/H; B15; Recorder: MET; Date: 12/6/2018) Possibly used as an awl or to make tattoos. |
Notes |
Prehistorically, native tribes on the California coast (probably Ohlone), especially in the San Francisco Bay area, fished bat rays in large numbers, presumably for food. While the bat ray, like other stingrays, has a venomous spine in its tail (near the base), it is not considered dangerous and uses the spine only when attacked or frightened. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat_ray 02/03/2020] |
Search Terms |
Archaeolgy Archaeological Evacuations Fish Pacifica |
Subjects |
Archaeology Bones Fish |
People |
Canzonieri, Christopher |
Credit line |
SMCHA Collection |