Recent New Evidence for Late Archaic Occupation in the Pecos River Valley near Carlsbad, New Mexico

Summary

This poster presents evidence of a singular Late Archaic period habitation feature. Recent compliance excavations conducted at site LA 45730 along the Pecos River east of Carlsbad, New Mexico have provided rarely seen evidence of occupation in the Permian Basin. A small pit structure exposed in a highly eroded floodplain terrace provides an opportunity for further insights. Few such structures have been fully documented in this region. Material remains recovered from the pit structure provide evidence for utilization of locally available riverine food sources. Intramural features show evidence for structure support posts and there is also evidence of internal storage and possibly a prepared floor. Artifacts recovered in association include two diagnostic Late Archaic projectile points. The orientation of these and other flaked-stone tools suggests intentional placement according to the cardinal directions and are postulated to represent ceremonial abandonment of the structure. This site provides valuable data for interpreting Late Archaic lifeways in the Permian Basin. This poster aims to highlight these findings and to bolster an otherwise poorly represented data set for the Late Archaic in southeast New Mexico.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 17301