Testing and Data Recovery Measures Performed at Five Prehistoric Sites along Siphon Draw, Pinal County, Arizona

Summary

Archaeological Consulting Services, Ltd. (ACS) conducted archaeological testing and data recovery measures on five prehistoric sites near Apache Junction at the request of Mr. Kurt Kefgen of TRW/Mesa Safety Systems (TRW). The work was performed under an excavation permit issued by Arizona State Museum (ASM) in order to recover all significant information from these sites prior to the development of the state land by TRW.

The five sites are located in Sections 7 and 18 of Township 1 South, Range 8 East. These sites are situated on a broad, gently sloping bajada that fans out to the southwest away from the base of the Superstition Mountains. This area is subject to extensive sheetwash and redeposition of sediments across the nearly level ground surface. While very little downcutting has occurred within Section 18, the southern half of Section 7 is heavily dissected by numerous washes that feed into Siphon Draw and some of these washes are over 2 m (6.6 ft) deep. The northern half of Section 7 is experiencing subsidence. Local vegetation belongs to the Lower Colorado subdivision of the Sonoran Desertscrub biotic community and is primarily characterized by creosote; ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite line the drainages.

Two sites, AZ U:10:39 and 41(ASM) were slated for testing to determine if they were eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Three sites, AZ U:10:36, U:10:37, and U:10:40(ASM), were recommended as eligible and, therefore data recovery procedures were undertaken. The fieldwork was conducted by two crews, under the direction of Barbara Macnider and Dr. Richard W. Effland Jr., between December 27, 1989 and January 10, 1990. The testing crew consisted of Don Irwin (crew chief), Michael Dice, Sarah Horton, Greg McMullin, Paula McBrayer Eloise Pedro, Clay Starr, and Cynthia Williams. The data recovery crew included Kim Adams (crew chief), Michael Dice, Sarah Horton, Greg McMullin, Robert Mierendorf, and Eloise Pedro. Sixteen person-days were spent on data recovery and 25 person-days were spent on testing.

The artifact and botanical analyses were directed by Jo Ann Kisselburg. Sarah Horton performed the ceramic analysis and Don Irwin performed the lithic analysis. Pollen analysis was conducted by Linda Scott Cummings of Paleo- Research Laboratories and flotation analysis was conducted by Johna Hutira of Northland Research, Inc.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Salt River Project Digital Library

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Salt River Project Cultural Resource Manager

Contributor(s): Mesa Safety Systems, TRW

Repository(s): Salt River Project, Tempe, AZ

Prepared By(s): Archaeological Consulting Services, Ltd.

Record Identifiers

Arizona State Museum Permit(s): 89-73

Salt River Project Library Call No.(s): E61.A7K57 1990

Salt River Project Library Barcode No.(s): 00027568

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