Native American shelter, used intermittently over the last seven thousand years.  These shelters, carved by streams hundreds of thousands of years ago, provide excellent protection against the elements.  This particular one, in Seminole Canyon, east of Langtry, Texas was east facing to take advantage of early morning warmth, yet the overhanging roof provided protection from the direct heat of late morning and afternoon desert heat.  Note: Bedding material.  See next photo.     Or return to Traditional Technology.

Numerous layers of bedding matting of plant material is evidence of human habitation and reveals the coming and going  of occupants, ceiling is blackened with smoke.    (See preparation table and butchering stone)
This stone altar, conveniently located at the entrance of the shelter above,  was used in ceremony and as a butchering block and preparation table.  Patina of blood and fat still evident.  Cutting tool marks cover the stone.  (Stone shelter, Austin)