Archaeological Data Recovery at AZ U:9:8 (ARS), A Prehistoric Hohokam Site Near Mesa Grande, Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona

Summary

Site AZ U:9:8 (ARS) was initially defined by Archaeological Research Services, Inc. (ARS) on April 26, 1985. At that time, Salt River Project (SRP) was excavating a footings trench for a concrete panel wall to be erected around a well site, and the construction crew encountered and reported archaeological remains in one of the excavated trenches. ARS was then requested by SRP to inspect the exposed remains, and to provide recommendations for the disposition of any identified cultural materials. In inspecting the exposed bottom and side profiles of an east-west oriented footings trench, ARS noted numerous prehistoric ceramic sherds and lithic flakes in-situ, in construction backdirt, and in the general vicinity of the construction job site. Accordingly, ARS indicated the presence of potentially important archaeological remains at this location, and recommended an archaeological testing program in order to further evaluate the nature, extent, and significance of this site in terms of National Register of Historic Places criteria of eligibility.

At the immediate conclusion of testing field work, ARS reported these findings to SRP (by letter from Stone to Harris; 5/7/85), and advised that SRP authorize the further study of this site in order to recover, document, and report all important archaeological remains within an area of the job site which would be further affected by the completion of the construction project. This data recovery study was to involve the excavation of the remainder of the pithouse feature, and additional excavations within the trash deposit in order to firmly establish the age of this feature, and to determine its relationship to the pithouse. In recommending these additional studies, it was suggested that completion of the wall construction project be postponed in order to assure that the site would not be further disturbed prior to the completion of data recovery excavations.

This report provides a brief review of the 1985 test excavation project, and describes the results of data recovery studies which were undertaken in April, 1986. Project personnel included Lyle M. Stone (Project Director), Daniel R. Bontrager, Brad W. Stone, and Everett J. Bassett. Bontrager performed the analysis of data recovery program lithics, and Stone provided an analysis of ceramic artifacts. The analysis of ethnobotanical remains derived from soil samples was undertaken and reported as Appendix A by Scott L. Fedick. David C. Eshbaugh analyzed a small sample of faunal remains.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Salt River Project Digital Library

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Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Salt River Project Cultural Resource Manager

Contributor(s): Scott L. Fedick

Project Director(s): Lyle M. Stone

Prepared By(s): Archaeological Research Services, Inc.

Submitted To(s): Salt River Project

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