Divison of Museums and History - Archaeological Origins

Archaeologists have their own stories or hypotheses concerning the origins and prehistory of Nevada’s Native Americans. Unlike Native American oral traditions, which change slowly, archaeologists’ views change rapidly with new discoveries, new scientific methods and changes in anthropological theories. Also, archaeologists often tend to disagree with each other’s interpretations of the past.

Most archaeologists studying Nevada’s prehistory believe that the region’s first people arrived around 11,000 years ago, shortly after the end of the Pleistocene geologic period (the “Ice Age”).

These early immigrants were descendants of Asians who traversed the Bering Land Bridge during the Pleistocene. Some archaeologists, however, believe that the first Native Americans arrived much earlier and, perhaps, from other regions of the world; but the evidence is poorly substantiated.

Over the last 11,000 years, artifact styles, artifact manufacturing techniques and other aspects of culture changed significantly. Archaeologists study the nature of these changes and try to explain them from a wide variety of scientific studies. This gallery contains evidence used by archaeologists and other anthropologists to support different hypotheses concerning Nevada’s ancient Native American cultures.

Native American Views: Archaeology

Archaeologists do not understand the view the Indian people have regarding the sanctity of burials and how it affects them. It is the belief of our people that once a person is buried they are not to be disturbed. If that happens, then their journey or life cycle is incomplete. There is no provision in our beliefs for reburials and it is difficult for the people to comprehend repatriation or reburials. This cultural misunderstanding exists today among the scientific community such as archaeologists and Indian tribes.
Jo Ann Nevers - Washoe Tribe

As one elder said “The Indian way of life is Sacred. We are part of the Earth – and are not above it. We are tied to this land and we are not to take what is not ours and if we need something we must leave something in return.”

As people (archaeologists, hikers, collectors etc.) take things that are not theirs, such as human remains, burial items, arrowheads, and baskets, it violates the sacred Indian way of life, which is our religion. The markings of our past are there for everyone to enjoy and appreciate, however, as people continually take what is not theirs, eventually there will be nothing left for our future generations.

To Indian people there is no such word as “prehistory” there is just history. We are governed by the teachings of our elders and spiritual people. Anthropologists and archaeologists work to find support for their continually changing scientific theories that often are not discussed with the Tribes or in consideration of their beliefs. The oral traditions of Indian people have stayed the same for thousands of years and are unchanged and undisputed by the Indian communities.

Indian people know, however, that archaeology is inevitable. We have become part of the process by creating our own archaeological research and historic preservation programs in order to preserve and protect sacred Indian culture and beliefs for future generations. Our goals are respectful and embrace the original teachings from the elders and spiritual people.

Donna Cossette, Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe
Rochanne L. Downs, Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe
Alvin Moyle, Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe

“Good Times” in the Great Basin

This artifacts below highlight the archaeology at former Winnemucca Lake in western Nevada, 4,000 years ago. While the Great Basin is justly characterized as a region where climatic extremes threatened Native American survival, there were periods where favorable climates allowed cultures to thrive. Four thousand years ago was one of these intervals with an increase in effective precipitation. Winnemucca Lake became deeper; its marshes expanded; and the sagebrush-grassland spread into the lower reaches of the valley. Economically important plants and animals increased as their habitat improved.

Prehistoric people responded to this bounty by intensive site occupation from increased population, moving into new areas, elaboration of utilitarian toolkits, and increased trade with groups from outside of the region. Elsewhere in the Great Basin and Sierra forests, woodlands, grasslands, marshes and lakes expanded at the expense of desert scrub and dry lakebeds.

A Spectacular Find

In the mid-1960s an unparalleled cache of finely coiled and decorated baskets were recovered from a dry cave at Winnemucca Lake. This site yielded nineteen complete coiled baskets and other artifacts, including basket fragments, lengths of cordage, and a twined bird skin robe.

Perhaps the most spectacular discovery was a set of seven finely coiled baskets covered with feather decoration in a variety of colorful designs. Due to the wonderful preservation afforded by the cave, these baskets provide a unique window into the skill of the Native American basket weavers who made them more than 1300 years ago.

We acknowledge Charles Brown and Joseph H. Ranson for recognizing the significance of their find and donating this important collection of artifacts to the museum for exhibit and research, enabling many future generations to appreciate them.