MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS AT SWORDFISH CAVE, SITE CA-SBA-503, CALIFORNIA

Sediment samples from Swordfish Cave (CA-SBA-503) on Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, were floated to recover macrofloral remains. Two botanic samples also were sent for identification. This site represents a cave in a small sandstone outcrop with rock art panels both inside and outside the cave. A swordfish painted in black on top of a red oval is noted to be typical of Chumash illustrations. Radiocarbon dates suggest that this cave experienced several use episodes, including Early Period and Mission Period occupations. Macrofloral analysis is used to provide information concerning plant resources utilized by the various occupants of the cave.