Capture California, the Game-2012
Adventure: 053 - Chaw'se
Team: Thing One, Thing Two
Date: June 29, 2012
Location: Chaw'se – Indian
Grinding Stone State Historic Park
Chaw'se, literally means grinding stones in the language of the Miwoks. And that is what this State Historical Park is known for. One of two, and by far the largest, grinding stone with petroglyphs. It also features the largest grinding stone with 1,185 mortar holes. Some of the petroglyph carvings are thought to be 3,000 years old and as such can be hard to see. We have found that in our visits here, it is easier to see the carvings during the evening or morning hours, rather than in the direct sunlight, like when we visited this time.
The grounds also feature a complete village of teepee's and a
ceremonial hun'ge (roundhouse). The roundhouse still is in use during
Big Time events (Pow Wow's). Also the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum
is located at this State Park and contains items showing the Miwok
culture and how the coming of European's altered the Miwok's way of
life. One thing of local interest for us was the mention of Fort
Miller, now underwater at Friant Reservoir. Even more important than
the factual, is the flavor of the area. You see, dimly, some of the
things which the Miwok held sacred. As the Sierra Nevada Virtual
Museum says, Chaw'se is not only a place, but a state of mind.
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