Abstract
To assess how, why, and when thin portable schist millingstones were used in Owens Valley (Payahǖǖnadǖ), data for 1,432 schist artifacts from 156 sites and isolates were compiled and analyzed. Results support previous interpretations that schist millingstones were portable, curated, and associated with residential sites and features. Results of this research do not support the argument that schist millingstones are temporally diagnostic of the Marana Period, but the use of schist millingstones culminated during the late Haiwee and Marana periods. These findings are integrated to identify implications for Owens Valley prehistory, and suggestions are made for future research and understanding of ground stone technology in the eastern Sierra.