Artifact Analysis: The Chipped Stone Bear
The chipped stone bear was discovered in 1985 in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad, CA— an area of San Diego county that I know as being a short twelve minute drive away from my house. The chipped stone bear is a piece of volcanic rock that is believed to have been shaped by native Americans for spiritual or religious purposes around 7,000 to 8,000 years ago. This rock is representative of California, not only because it is California's official prehistoric artifact, but the animal— the bear— has similar characteristics as the feisty attitudes of past and present California citizens.
When the Gold Rush sparked in 1848, dedicated and hopeful pioneers pursued through some of the roughest terrain to experience the exciting energy and intriguing riches despite the danger and high chance of disappointment. When pioneers first settled in the state, they were inhabiting Grizzly Bear territory but they did not let these fierce animals intimidate them. Each year, thousands of people move to California for a chance to be "discovered," to make it rich, and to become a star despite the unlikely chance this will truely occur. Regardless, there is a sense of hope that exists in the Golden State— an essence of young energy and success. Maybe it is the vast ocean that reminds us of endless possibilities and exploration or the bear that renders dominance and tenacity. Either way, there is a feeling that nothing can stop someone from exploring or pursuing their dreams. This is the essence of California.
When the Gold Rush sparked in 1848, dedicated and hopeful pioneers pursued through some of the roughest terrain to experience the exciting energy and intriguing riches despite the danger and high chance of disappointment. When pioneers first settled in the state, they were inhabiting Grizzly Bear territory but they did not let these fierce animals intimidate them. Each year, thousands of people move to California for a chance to be "discovered," to make it rich, and to become a star despite the unlikely chance this will truely occur. Regardless, there is a sense of hope that exists in the Golden State— an essence of young energy and success. Maybe it is the vast ocean that reminds us of endless possibilities and exploration or the bear that renders dominance and tenacity. Either way, there is a feeling that nothing can stop someone from exploring or pursuing their dreams. This is the essence of California.
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