Skull Gulch, Santa Rosa Island

Skull Gulch, Santa Rosa Island is located on the island's northwest coast. This was the location of Phil Orr's third season field excavations. Unlike the two previous seasons, which were dedicated to examination of elephant remains, this season's work was devoted to the excavation of Indian sites. Several house pit depressions were examined, as was a cemetery area with several burials. [SBMNH Leaflet, Winter 1949-1950].

Cañada Tecolote, north shore, Santa Rosa Island
Northwest coast of Santa Rosa Island. Cañada Tecolote in center; Skull Gulch at right. Note the crater-like depressions, which are the ancient house pits of the Skull Gulch village. There are twenty-five Indian village sites within this area.

Report from Santa Rosa Island by Phil C. Orr

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

• lst Santa Rosa Island Expedition 1947
• 2nd Santa Rosa Island Expedition 1948-1949
• 3rd Santa Rosa Island Expedition 1949-1950