Today, many archaeologists recognize that while the function of some charmstones may have been utilitarian, to indigenous people the objects were thought to contain power allowing for a healthy bounty. Others are phallic-shaped indicating a proliferative and magical function to their construction. Many charmstones are perforated further suggesting they were secured to something. Historically, archaeologists had contended that many of these forms had a more utilitarian purpose, suggesting they were used as net weights for catching fish and birds. The Miwok and Pomo peoples also manufactured charmstones, often out of green schist and granite, creating a number of impressive designs. Cultures around the world created special rock forms believed to have healing and mystical powers. Tolay Lake has been known by archaeologists for many years as Charmstone Lake. Around 1850, European settlers dynamited the earthen dam in order to increase their agricultural and ranching pursuits.

With both the Petaluma River and San Francisco Bay so close, Native people had an extremely diverse selection of fresh and saltwater animals from which to choose this, along with the yearly harvesting of acorns, created ideal conditions for permanent native settlement. The lake provided the opportunity to acquire fowl and fresh water for drinking, bathing, and cooking. Prior to American occupation, a natural earthen dam created Tolay Lake, developing into a beautiful habitat for migrating birds and a near perfect environment for indigenous peoples to live. Over 8,000 years of human occupation has been documented at the site. This environment made it extremely appealing to Miwok and southern Pomo people, and later in time Euro-Americans seeking fertile soils and ranching land. The Petaluma River flows to the west and the San Francisco Bay to the east, with rolling Oak Woodland flourishing in between. The site was acquired from the Cardoza family for $18 million in 2005 by the County of Sonoma and is now managed by Sonoma County Regional Parks. It is one of the great outdoor and historical treasures in northern California. 2752 North Campbell Ave.Only a few miles from our home in the valley, Tolay Lake Regional Park is situated west along Stage Gulch Road, in the hills to the east. You may view this item or any of our other antiquities, fine art or artifacts at our gallery. John found most of his items himself while working in the oil fields in California in the 1950's. This artifact is in museum-quality condition and is from the John H. While the look is somewhat like a fishing weight, these items are grooved on the top for tying on with sinew, and are found in the Mission Museums all along the California Coast. This one is 5-1/4' long, 1-1/4' in diameter and made of a super-fine-grained black stone. They were highly prized in the Native American culture and are rarely found in any condition. The stones were meticulously shaped and then tied to a tree branch that hung over the river. They have also been found hanging from branches and supposedly used to attract or 'charm' the salmon up river by the Native Americans.

Native American Charm-Stone Pomo/Miwok From Santa Rosa Area, California The original Charm-Stones are thought to have been used by the Shamanic Chieftans and worn as talismans.

Pomo charmstone