Archaeological Investigations Along Reach 11 of the Granite Reef Aqueduct, Central Arizona Project

Summary

Under contract with the Bureau of Reclamation, the Office of Cultural Resource Management (OCRM), Department of Anthropology, Arizona State University, completed an archaeological survey of undisturbed portions of Reach 11 and its associated recreation areas. Reach 11 was previously surveyed in 1969 (Dittert et al. 1969) and 1972 (Kemrer et al. 1972), and one site (AZ U:5:13) was mitigated prior to construction (Reynolds 1974). The majority of Reach 11 had already been constructed when this project was undertaken in 1978. Reach 11 of the Granite Reef Aqueduct extends about 13 miles from Cave Creek Road east to the Taliesin West access road.

Six field loci and 24 isolated artifacts were recorded during the Reach 11 survey. Based on relative density of cultural material dispersion, the field loci were grouped into four sites: AZ T:8:53 (ASU); AZ U:5:67 (ASU); and AZ U:5:68 (ASU), and AZ U:5:69 (ASU).

Mitigation was completed at four sites in the winter of 1979. Investigations consisted of surface collection, mapping, and testing of areas of high artifact density. While some test units recovered artifacts, no subsurface features were identified.

The investigations identified a pattern of secondary resource zone exploitation in the desert areas between the river valleys. Researchers defined and described a secondary resource zone as an area which did not support a permanent population, but was utilized intermittently, probably on a seasonal basis, in the exploitation of wild plant and animal food resources by people whose primary subsistence was derived from a different zone.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• USDI Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix DAHA Resources   •
• Granite Reef (Hayden-Rhodes) Aqueduct and Transmission System Resurvey and Mitigation

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): USDI Bureau Reclamation, Phoenix Area Office

Field Director(s): Patricia E. Brown

Principal Investigator(s): Glen Rice

Project Director(s): Patricia E. Brown

Sponsor(s): USDI Bureau Reclamation, Phoenix Area Office

Repository(s): Huhugam Heritage Center

Prepared By(s): Office of Cultural Resource Management, Department of Anthropology, Arizona State University

Submitted To(s): USDI Bureau Reclamation, Phoenix Area Office

Record Identifiers

Bureau of Reclamation Contract No.(s)(s): 8-07-32-V0039

Granite Reef Aqueduct Task No.(s): 24

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