Martis people facts for kids
Martis Creek Lake and Dam at the southern end of Nevada County near Truckee, California.
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| Regions with significant populations | |
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| United States (California and Nevada) |
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| Related ethnic groups | |
| Maidu, possibly Washoe |
Martis is the name scientists gave to a group of Native Americans. They lived in Northern California on both sides of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These people lived during a time called the Middle Archaic era, from about 2000 BCE to 500 CE.
Evidence of Martis people has been found in many places. This includes areas from Carson River and Reno, Nevada in the east. It also stretches to Auburn, California and Oroville, California in the west. The name "Martis" comes from the Martis Creek area, which is in Nevada County, California and Placer County, California.
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Martis Way of Life
The Martis people moved around in small groups. They traveled to lower places during the winter. In the summer, they moved to higher areas. This helped them find food and resources all year.
Homes and Camps
They often set up their main camps near valleys, especially close to hot springs. In winter, they lived in pit houses. These were homes built partly underground. Their pit houses had hearths (fireplaces) for warmth and cooking. They also had special pits for storing food. Sometimes, they buried their dead near their homes. Scientists believe that extended families lived together in these homes.
During the summer, their camps were often near springs or creeks. These were simpler camps, not built for long-term living.
Tools and Hunting
The Martis people shared some common ways of doing things. They made stone tools from a type of rock called basalt. They also used pestles and mortars. These tools helped them grind seeds and other plants.
For hunting, they used atlatls and spears. An atlatl is a special tool that helps throw a spear with more power and speed. The Martis people were hunter-gatherers. This means they hunted animals and gathered plants for their food. They processed seeds from plants. They also hunted large animals like bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, deer, bison, and elk.
Who Are Their Descendants?
Scientists have different ideas about who the Martis people were related to. Archaeologist M.J. Moratto thinks the Martis were not related to the Washoe. However, he suggests they might have been connected to the Maidu people.
Other experts, like Robert G. Elston and Catherine S. Fowler, have a different idea. They believe that the Martis culture and where they lived might connect with the Kings Beach complex. This complex is linked to the ancestors of the Washoe people.
Important Martis Sites
Several places are important for learning about the Martis people.
Famous Rock Art
The Meadow Lake Petroglyphs are a very important site. Petroglyphs are ancient drawings carved into rock. These carvings are believed to have been made by the Martis. This site is so important that it is a national historical landmark.
Another notable Martis site is the Grouse Lakes Area in Nevada County. This area is called the Martis Archaeological Complex. It has rock art known as "style 7."
Other Key Locations
Other places where Martis evidence has been found include Truckee Meadows–Steamboat Hot Springs, Bordertown, and Hallelujah Junction. These sites help scientists understand more about how the Martis people lived and moved across the land.
