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3.3 DEPRESSIONS VS. HOUSEPTTS In view of the great number of surface depressions attributed to house pits that were observed at the Buckeye Ranch during Ananian and Rice's (1991) field work, it was deemed important to examine the ethnographic record for grounds to draw such conclusions (especially since in many cases these depressions were not found in association with midden or other evidence for cultural activity). The information compiled below was used to evaluate whether the depressions observed during Biosystems' field work might be justifiably attributed to semi subterranean structures. Semisubterranean structures of three types have been noted among the Miwok; the assembly/dance house, sweathouse, and earth lodge (Barrett and Gifford 1933; Bennyhoff 1977; Kroeber 1925; Levy 1978). Barrett and Gifford (1933:200)note the large assembly/dance house being from 40 to 50.ft. in diameter (12-15 m) and 3 to 4 ft. in depth (90-120 cm). Kroeber (1925, reprinted 1976:447) specifies this type structure to be up to 20 yards in diameter (18 m), giving examples of three dance-house pits from the village of Upiisiiui measuring 25, 50, and 65 ft. in diameter. Bennyhoff(1977:12) comments that among the Plains Miwok, the assembly house was built only in the major villages. The Miwok sweathouse, according to Barrett and Gifford (1933:205), was typically a conical earth covered structure ranging from 6 to 15 ft. in diameter (1.8-4.6 m), and 2 to 3 ft. in depth (60-90 cm). Kroeber (1925, reprinted 1976:447) notes only that the sweathouse was much smaller than the dance house, but built on the same plan. The sweathouse was said to be heated by fire, thus evidence of such structures would presumably include ash. Bennyhoff (1977:11) has noted the occasional erection of semisubterranean earth lodges by wealthy men of the Plains Miwok. More commonly constructed, however, were domed lodges covered with tule mats and grass thatch. No observation regarding size was made. 16