Las Tinajas de Los Indios facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Las Tinajas de Los Indios |
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|---|---|
| Indian Tanks | |
 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 780 m (2,560 ft) |
| Naming | |
| Etymology | Spanish |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Kern County |
| Range coordinates | 35°41′04″N 120°00′08″W / 35.68457°N 120.00210°W |
| Topo map | USGS Emigrant Hill |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Tinajas |
Las Tinajas de Los Indios, also known as "Indian Tanks," are special natural rock basins. You can find them high up in the sandstone hills of the Point of Rocks. This area is located on the north side of Antelope Valley in Kern County, California. These "tinajas" (which means "jars" in Spanish) were very important long ago.
Contents
A Look Back at Indian Tanks
Ancient Watering Holes
The name Las Tinajas de Los Indios means "The Jars of the Indians." This name tells us that this place was once a Native American camp. The tops of the Point of Rocks have natural basins called tinajas. These basins are like giant natural cups. They collected and held rainwater during the winter. This water then stayed fresh throughout the hot summer months.
How Native Americans Used the Tinajas
Evidence shows that Native Americans improved these tinajas. They carved deep steps into the rock. These steps helped them reach the water easily. You can also find Indian mortars (tools for grinding food). There are also rock writings and other signs. All of these show that this was a prehistoric camp.
A Stop on El Camino Viejo
Later, Las Tinajas de Los Indios became a key watering place. It was on a historic route called El Camino Viejo. This old road connected different areas. The "Indian Tanks" were located between Aquaja de la Brea (Salt Spring) to the north. They were also about seven miles from Corral de Matarano (at Bitterwater Creek) to the south.
