Santa Fe, New Mexico
April 30, May 1–2, 2010
Courtyard by Marriott, 3347 Cerrillos Rd,
Santa Fe, New Mexico,
Call (505) 473-2800 for reservations
| Friday, April 30 | |
|---|---|
| 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. | Trustees Meeting |
| 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. | Rock Art Council Meeting Certification Council Meeting |
| 4:00 to 7:30 p.m | Registration and Field Trip Signups |
| 6:00 to 8:00 pm | No-host Cocktails and complimentary light appetizers |
| Saturday, May 1 | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 to 11:30 a.m | See Program and Abstracts |
| 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. | ANSM Annual Business Meeting |
| 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. | See Program and Abstracts |
| 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. | No-host Cocktail Hour |
| 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. | Banquet and Awards Ceremony |
| 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Bandelier Lecture by Wolky Toll (See Program and Abstracts) |
| Sunday, May 2 | |
|---|---|
| Field Trips (See Field trips) | |
| Self-guided Museum Tours |
Migration, Residence Patterns, and the Persistence of Identity in the Puebloan Southwest
David H. Snow
How identity is manifest and expressed provides insight into the integration and assimilation of migrants into their host communities. The processes of migration and assimilation, and the maintenance of identity, have important consequences for understanding social dynamics in the Pueblo world. Reviewing historical pueblo migrations provides possible insights into negotiations between prehistoric Puebloan migrants and their host communities.
Culture, Crisis, and Continuity: Traditions and Cultural Transmission in Late Southwestern Prehistory
Todd L. VanPool, Christine S. VanPool, and Craig T. Palmer
Properly modeling the mechanisms of cultural transmission is central to explaining the continuation and change of culture as reflected by the archaeological record. Southwestern archaeologists often focus on change in artifact and architecture form, settlement patterns, and subsistence in their discussions, leading to an emphasis on factors that cause variation in cultural innovation and transmission. Although universally acknowledged, the incredible cultural continuity, even during times of intense social upheaval, is less often the focus of archaeological research and explanation. We propose that: 1) the cultural continuity evident in the archaeological record reflects the preponderance of vertical transmission throughout Southwestern prehistory, and 2) many cases of purported cultural change in fact reflect the continuation of traditional cultural traits that are applied in novel situations. We evaluate these premises using case studies from New Mexico, eastern Arizona, and northern Chihuahua from AD 1000 to the modern period.
Using the Archaeological Record to Inform the Design of Sustainable Architecture Today
Rachel Preston
The New Mexico archaeological record isn´t just interesting in its reflection of our past, it can also be a device for informing our future. Many of the space-creation methods our ancient forebears used - including pit houses, Puebloan architecture, and Spanish Colonial haciendas - use building techniques that were a direct response to the environment. These same techniques can be utilized by modern architects, designers, and builders to manifest an architecture that is more than ´green´... it can be ecologically-sensitive, and also reflect our rich heritage. This paper will discuss the uses of historic techniques to produce affordable, visually stunning, and truly sustainable commercial and residential architecture.
Non-Destructive Radiocarbon Dating
Marvin W. Rowe, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, Texas A & M University
A 'non-destructive' method for radiocarbon dating of perishable archaeological remains requires new replacements for the two very destructive steps in current radiocarbon dating: (1) pretreatment to remove contaminating humic acids, presently done by acid-based-acid (a-b-a) washings; and (2) extraction of necessary carbon for accelerator mass spectrometric (AMS) analysis, currently done by totally burning the sample, releasing carbon dioxide. We have successfully replaced the second step with using low-temperature argon and oxygen plasmas to extract ~100 µg carbon from the exposed surface of an artifact without any visible change to the artifact. This negates the need for removal of bulk material for destruction. We saw no visible alteration in numerous fragile archaeological materials treated with plasma procedures. Known-age materials, previously dated charcoal samples, and many other artifacts were dated successfully with our technique. Now we replace the destructive a-b-a pretreatment with a non-destructive one. Supercritical fluid cleaning is demonstrated as an alternative to that harsh treatment.
Large Rocks, Small Rocks, Rocks in a Ring: Three Protohistoric Thermal Feature Types in Southwestern New Mexico
Joanne Gilby, Office of Contract Archeology-University of New Mexico
The Office of Contract Archeology of the University of New Mexico recently surveyed and excavated archeological sites along the southern international border of New Mexico. All thermal features excavated at two site areas in the vicinity of the Carrizallilo Hills provided surprising yet consistent dates of the protohistoric/early historic era. Earlier assessments had placed the sites into the prehistoric era: ceramic sherds at one site area indicated a Mogollon occupation, and a Paleoindian-like point and lack of ceramics at the other site area suggested a potential very early date, or at least a secure Archaic occupation. The radio-carbon dating of these thermal features provide an alternative view to site interpretation of these frequently encountered sites in this area of New Mexico as probable Apache or other hunter/gatherer nomadic peoples who occupied the area sometime after AD 1450 and the abandonment/fall of Casas Grandes/Mogollon cultures. The thermal features located within a canyon mouth were primarily of a large-rock pit type and are interpreted as earth-covered, high temperature, agave roasting pits. The thermal features on the opposing sloping alluvial plane were primarily of a small-rock pit type and are interpreted as open-air, low-temperature, yucca and prickly pear processing pits. Macrobotanical remains from the features provide important data supporting these interpretations. As such, a proposed typology of protohistoric thermal features is presented here based on the distinctive differences of the thermal feature attributes. Lastly, a third type, a rock-ring pit feature was present at each site areas. This type is more prosaically-known as a "hearth" type, or even as a "cowboy campfire". Yet this type too dated to the protohistoric/early historic, indicating yet another thermal feature type specifically constructed for a yet again a different function or use by the nomadic occupants. Macrobotanical remains in the one rock-ring feature excavated were different again from the other two types: seeds from the melon loco predominated. At least one of each of the three types was present at each site area adding support to the interpretation of specialized construction/use. Much can be learned from thermal features, and a call is made here for raising the standard of attribute recording so that comparative information over the region can be usefully acquired. The result can only help to make the protohistoric more visible in the archaeological record.
An El Paso Phase Summer Residence on the West Mesa of the Mesilla Bolson
David T. Kirkpatrick
Site LA 26788, a multi-component site, is located near the escarpment of the West Mesa overlooking the Rio Grande Valley. Excavations in 1983 yielded a pit house, a unique feature in the El Paso phase, and several associated storage pits. Numerous Chihuahuan decorated wares indicate trade with the Casas Grandes region. A recent project allowed a reanalysis of the unpublished data in conjunction with data from 2006 and 2010 excavations by Human Systems Research. The El Paso phase inhabitants probably came from nearby riverine pueblos such as La Cabrana and Anapra Pueblo to farm and harvest native plants. This presentation will discuss the material culture of the site and its role in the settlement and subsistence pattern of the El Paso phase (A.D. 1200-1400).
Talus Unit No. 1, Chaco Canyon, New Mexico
F. Joan Mathien, Retired NPS Archaeologist and Joyce Raab, Retired NPS Archaeologist
For four years in the 1930s, field school students in Chaco Canyon excavated a small great house beneath the mesa just off the northwest corner of Chetro Ketl. No final report was prepared. Because Edgar L. Hewett directed the field schools by combining his positions at the University of New Mexico, the School of American Research, and the Museum of New Mexico, pulling the data together after 80 years have passed has been an interesting research problem. Although we are just beginning to analyze the data, the extant field notes and unpublished reports, maps, and photographs provide many clues as to the function of this small great house. One is its location beneath a carved stairway. Yet, it also has two other unusual features: a pier built on the second story, and two rooms connected by three stairs that have elicited comments about a possible Mesoamerican connection through this architectural form. The field school photographs, therefore, are invaluable tools in reconstructing the initial excavations prior to stabilization, as well as the Chacoan's use of this site.
Great Kivas of the Four Corners
Linda Wheelbarger, San Juan College, Landis Ehler, San Juan College, and Krista Montano, San Juan College
The 2009 San Juan College field school excavation at the Point Site revealed a great kiva estimated to be nearly 16 meters in diameter. The upcoming 2010 field school session will continue with that excavation. In addition to presenting information on the Point Site great kiva, background research on the Puebloan traditional context of great kivas of the Four Corners is presented through the perspective of chronology, distribution, architecture, and ceramics. The modern continuity of Puebloan great kivas is also briefly addressed.
Pre-European Dogs: What did Those Puppies Really Look Like?
Dody Fugate, Museum of New Mexico
We always seem to view pre-Columbian dogs as small, coyote like animals but the record indicates a different kind of animal.
A New Perspective on Chaco and the Interpretation of Turquoise
Theodore R. Frisbie, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, SIUE
Given the vast extent of the "Chaco Phenomenon" (over 110,000 square miles) with "overkill architecture" as evidenced by over 200 great houses and an identified centrally located amphitheater (with potentially others at strategically located sites), as well as great kivas, roads, et al, a "Theater State" is suggested as a viable explanatory model. The "kicker" is viewed as the Mesoamerican elite quest for turquoise which, with the rise of the Early Post-Classic, ca. A.D. 900, replaced jade as the primary "God Stone." Turquoise in this light becomes the key factor in understanding how and why Chaco came into being. It also suggests Mesoamerican traders had been privy to its occurrence in the Southwest since at least BM III (ca. 500 AD), which eventually led to exploitative measures. A further addendum is that turquoise at Chaco must be viewed not as in the attenuated Native American ethnographic view, but rather, as it was in Mexico. The implications are for continuity and change over the intervening centuries.
Yesterday—Today—Tomorrow: A Brief Look at the Stewardship of Some Special Heritage Places
Phil Young
The presentation will focus on the areas listed in the Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Protection Act (2004), some of the activities that have shaped their landscapes and character, the past and present steward activities (including SiteWatch), and some additional locales within the Galisteo Basin that might be considered for future addition to the Act.
Ceramic Production and Exchange in the Santa Fe Valley during the Coalition and Early Classic Periods
C. Dean Wilson, Office of Archaeological Studies
Examinations of pottery recovered from LA 1051 in downtown Santa Fe provide clues concerning the nature of shifts in ceramic production and exchange ties in communities in the Santa Fe Valley and their unique and changing role in larger regional interaction systems from the Early Coalition to Early Classic periods. Pottery at contexts dating to the early part of the Coalition period consists of locally produced Santa Fe Black-on-white and Smeared Corrugated similar to that produced in other areas of the Northern Rio Grande and indicates participation in previously documented pan-regional information networks. Ceramics from assemblages dating to the very late part of the Coalition period indicate a shift to the production of distinct white and gray ware forms reflecting local changes in resource use and technology. The wide variety of ceramic forms noted in assemblages dating to the Early Classic period indicates the continuation of production of distinct local ceramic forms as well as strong exchange ties with various ethnic groups to the south who produced glaze wares and those to the north that produced biscuit ware vessels.
Adapting Agricultural Landscapes for Cotton Production: Archaeological, Palynological and Pedological Investigation of Classic Period Agricultural Field Technologies at San Ildefonso Pueblo
Eileen L. Camilli, Susan J. Smith and Christopher D. Banet
The advantages of pre-Columbian gravel-mulch technologies for maize cultivation in the northern Rio Grande region have been widely recognized, but consistently low cotton pollen recovery rates from pre-Columbian agricultural contexts in this region have not allowed agricultural technologies employed in production of these cultigens to be compared. Investigation of gravel-mulched fields and related features on San Ildefonso Pueblo lands offers this opportunity. Archaeological survey of approximately 90 acres recorded 9.25 acres of gravel-mulched fields and 65 associated pit features on Pleistocene and Holocene terrace surfaces north of Black Mesa Creek above its confluence with the Rio Grande. Decorated ceramics and radiocarbon dated materials from excavated gravel-mulch, constructed terrace, and irrigation ditch contexts indicate a constructed agricultural landscape in use between A.D. 1300 and 1600, and possibly later. Seventy-two pollen samples collected from agricultural contexts were analyzed using an extended microscopy method that was modified from the Intensive Systematic Microscopy (ISM) technique developed by Dean. Although maize pollen (Zea mays) was recovered, the study area samples are striking in their high cotton pollen (Gossypium sp.) sample frequency and abundance compared with samples recovered from other northern New Mexico pre-Columbian agricultural field contexts. Not only is cotton pollen sample frequency comparatively high within the gravel-mulched field sample inventory, but the ubiquity of cotton pollen in samples from large constructed pits, or tanks, indicate these features could have been uniformly dedicated to cotton production. Pedological analysis of gravel-mulched soils at San Ildefonso Pueblo and of gravel-mulched fields in the Santa Cruz River Valley where maize, but no cotton pollen, was recovered indicates mulch constituents in cotton fields differ from those where only maize is grown, as well, suggesting certain gravel-mulch treatments might have encouraged cotton production by design.
Kuaua Site from 1000 B.C. to A.D. 2010: A User´s Report on Unearthing Archaeological Material
Joann Mazzio
As an author, IÕve been researching for the last two plus years for a book to be titled: Kuaua: A Prehistoric Pueblo on the Rio Grande. I´d like to tell from a laywomanÕs viewpoint, some joys and frustrations as I searched for information from pioneering archaeological studies at a large pueblo. I will happily drop names of archaeologists, historians, archivists, librarians, and curators who have generously helped me. Perhaps I can convey the wry humor I felt when I realized non-archaeological decisions may have added to the scarcity of information. On the dark side of the latter will be the mention of what seem to be obstacles, perhaps unwittingly thrown up by New Mexico State archives and museums. Further, I will share the secret about the Kuaua site the federal government doesn´t want you to know.
Identity Lost: The Story of Urraca Man
Warren K. Lail, J.D., Ph.D., NMHU
Drifting from the trail to answer the call of nature, a young Boy Scout stumbled upon a set of human skeletal remains crumpled in the corner of a rock shelter near the base of Urraca Mesa, a massive escarpment located on the Philmont Scout Ranch, Colfax County, New Mexico. Since that day in 1970, the individual has been known simply as "Urraca Man." For the greater part of 40 years, Urraca Man and his possessions have remained safely curated at the Philmont Museum, near Cimarron, New Mexico. His remains have been examined by several archaeologists throughout the years, but his identity remains a mystery. Soon to be laid to rest, we have one last chance to bring his story to light. This presentation focuses on the finding, examination, and post-mortem history of the remains of Urraca Man.
Identity Lost: The Forensic Analysis of Urraca Man
Aaron Roth
In 1974 a set of human remains were discovered in an isolated rock shelter near Cimarron, New Mexico. To whom do they belong? How did they get there? Through forensic analysis of the remains, determination of sex, age at death, ancestry, stature, and evidence of trauma, it is possible to bring this unidentified individual´s story to light. This presentation is about past and current research on the individual known as Urraca Man.
Identity Lost: Analysis of the Historic Artifacts Found with Urraca Man
Victoria R. Evans
A unique suite of artifacts was recovered along with the skeletal remains of "Urraca Man," an individual whose remains were discovered in a rock shelter near Cimarron, New Mexico. Items include bracelets, beads, groundstone, buttons, and jeweler´s tools. Many of the artifacts are consistent with the life of a trader on the western frontier. However, further analysis might lead us to more fully understand where this individual came from, his occupation, the time in which he lived and died, and possibly learn his actual identity. This presentation is about the research undertaken to date and a call for information.
Identity Lost: Historical Buttons in the Time of Urraca Man
Nanibaa Beck
This research paper will focus on historical buttons found at the Urraca Man site, Colfax County, New Mexico. Using archival data to access Urraca Man´s button styles, I expect to demonstrate any historical connections, nationally and/or regionally, between this man, his time, and his travels in northeastern New Mexico.
Assessing Site Function at the Tinsley Site
Adam Q. Fuselier
The Tinsley Site (LA 12085) is a small pueblo site located in San Miguel County, New Mexico, along the Gallinas River near the city of Las Vegas. Several archaeological field schools were conducted at the site in the 1970s and 1980s. This presentation will focus on the history of fieldwork at the Tinsley Site, how it continues to serve as a source of archaeological data, and how it has become the focus of my thesis research as I try to address questions regarding site function through the chipped stone assemblage.
Human Remains Research in the Cimarron District
Jason Nevins
Little is known about the overall state of health of the early inhabitants (A.D. 700 to A.D. 1100) of the Cimarron Archaeological District, located on the southern Park Plateau, Colfax County, New Mexico. In an effort to better understand the state of health during this period, I am conducting the first intensive study of three sets of human remains from the Philmont Museum. As part of my thesis research I am undertaking a complete forensic workup (stature, ancestry, sex, age, evidence of pathologies or trauma) in order to answer these important questions for this population. Expectations and preliminary findings are reported in this presentation.
The Spanish Colonial Period in Santa Fe: The Baca-Garvisu Estate
Stephen C. Lentz, Office of Archaeological Studies
In preparation for construction of the new convention center in June of 2006, the foundation of a colonial structure and associated features were excavated in downtown Santa Fe. Archival and archaeological research has established the structure as the Baca-Garvisu hacienda, an eighteenth century Spanish colonial estate illustrated on the 1766 Jose de Urrutia map of Santa Fe. The economy of this household, as indicated by the material remains, reveals an affluent entrepreneurial family, actively engaged in a number of cottage industries including metallurgy, leather working, and wool processing. Associated features yielded a wealth of high status items, the most striking of which were quantities of high status Mexican majolica and Chinese porcelain. This study provides a fascinating glimpse into the culture of one of the richest families in Colonial Santa Fe during the eighteenth century.
Miracles of Preservation: Tales of Archaeological Survival in the Face of ‘Progress’
Wolky Toll, Ph.D., Office of Archaeological Studies
"Progress" has been eradicating evidence of its past during most of human history. It is very possible to see the information glass as more than half empty, but it still contains remarkable amounts, more in some cases than others. These processes have great implications for how we know the past, and some of the survivals are truly remarkable. I will draw on our many projects for examples of survivals and the implications they have for our view of the past.
Wolky Toll was born and grew up in Denver. He studied anthropology at Brown University, University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Colorado at Boulder where he received an MA in 1976 and a Ph.D. in 1985. While working for the University of Colorado he participated in projects in Mesa Verde, Mancos Canyon, on the Dolores and San Miguel Rivers, and for the Dolores Project. In 1976 he began working for the National Park Service Chaco Project, and continued working for the NPS until 1986. Importantly for the Bandelier Lecture, he spent a summer working in Bandelier Monument and subsequently published study of Bandelier cavate structures. Chaco provided the subject for his dissertation and a number of papers since. In 1987 he was hired by the Office of Archaeological Studies, Museum of New Mexico, to help direct the La Plata Highway project. He has worked at OAS since, participating in projects in various parts of the state, most recently in the Galisteo Basin. At OAS we have a very immediate view of the push and pull between preservation and progress.
Trip 1: Bill Baxter, Ortiz Mountains Educational Preserve
This trip will assemble at the gate to the Preserve. Roads to this point are paved. Beyond the gate four-wheel drive vehicles will be required. Once we arrive at our destination the hiking will be leisurely with a few stairs.
Trip 2: Paul Williams, La Cieneguilla Pueblo / Rock Art
Paved roads all the way to the site. There will be a good deal of hiking on both flat and steep, rocky terrain. Hikers can stop and return to vehicles when they are ready.
Trip 3: David Eck, Pueblo Blanco / Rock Art
Carpooling will be required in order to limit the total number of vehicles into no more than six. Four-wheel drive is not normally necessary, but high clearance is essential. The terrain can be moderately difficult, especially in the vicinity of the petroglyphs. Attendees who do not feel they can handle the rougher terrain can certainly wait for the others in near the vehicles, which will be parked adjacent to the site.
Trip 4: Mike Bremer, Los Aguajes
A high clearance vehicle is required. The hike will be moderate to strenuous hiking since we'll be visiting the outlying shrines and doing quite a bit of hiking.
Trip 5: Gary Hein, Obscure Rock Art and Historical Sites in the Galisteo Basin
Any vehicle will get us within walking distance. The round trip hike will be 6 miles with frequent elevation changes as we climb up and down the hills and through the washes.