Circular rock features of the Liebre-Sawmill Mountains: archaeological investigations at the Sawmill Valentine #03 cache site, Angeles National Forest

Situated within the Liebre-Sawmill Mountains of the Angeles National Forest (ANF), are approximately 64 circular/cluster rock features at 22 site locations. Rock features have posed interpretive problems for archaeologists working in California. Theories surrounding features similar to those found within the study area have suggested uses ranging from resource storage caches to burial cairns. The archaeological excavation of a single circular rock feature was conducted during October, 2012 at the Sawmill Valentine #03 Cache Site. Results from this excavation have provided a better understanding of the function of these unique features, and have helped to place them within the larger cultural chronology of the Transverse Mountain Range.