The Late Bonito Phase at Aztec North and West Ruins: Interpreting the Ceramic Data

Summary

Pottery from Earl Morris’ excavations in Late Bonito phase contexts at Aztec West Ruin and recent surface collections at Aztec North Ruin are examined to shed further light on Chacoan period developments at these two great houses. Morris’ early 20th century excavations focused specifically on West Ruin, but the North and East Ruins filled out the triad of great houses comprising a substantial complex within the modern boundary of Aztec Ruins National Monument. Several researchers have suggested that North Ruin was the first great house constructed at Aztec, representing a local interpretation of a Chacoan great house. In contrast, West Ruin was built several decades later by Chacoan engineers and specialists who were intent on building in the meticulous and grand style of Chaco Canyon and establishing a new great house complex in the Animas River valley. In this paper, I look at the Late Bonito phase occupations of both Aztec North and West great houses, examine the local and Chacoan ceramic traits, and evaluate the extent of Chaco’s reach via the pottery assemblages.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Aztec at the Crossroads and in the Crosshairs: 101 years of Research in One Convenient Symposium   •
• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 17282