The Canyon del Muerto Survey Project: Anasazi and Navajo Archeology in Northeastern Arizona

Summary

From 1974 to 1977, the National Park Service conducted an archeological sampling survey in and adjacent to Canyon del Muerto, part of Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona. This report documents the results of this work and places it within the context of

previous research and knowledge of Southwest aboriginal occupations.

After presenting a background to the survey and reviewing the known

culture chronology and environmental setting, a description of the range

and types of sites located is given. From this extensive data base, descriptive and explanatory models for both the Anasazi and Navajo occupations of the area are offered. In addition to these general settlement

models, a number of more restricted analyses were undertaken involving

the use of Anasazi lithics and ceramics, prehistoric pollen from Antelope

House Ruin, and Anasazi and Navajo rock art. These studies aid in

supporting and fleshing out the picture of aboriginal occupation perceived

from the site types and their distributions.

Representing a first attempt to consider the archeology of the canyon

in relation to the adjacent plateau, this report serves as a guide

to a fuller understanding of human ecology in the Canyon de Chelly

region.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• WACC documents 1980-1989   •
• Arizona   •
• Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: -9200 to 1965

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contributor(s): Larry D. Linford; Don P. Morris; Linda Popelish; Barrie Thornton

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