Testing at AZ AA:12:869 (ASM): Results of Archaeological Testing for the Shannon Business Park Development, Pima County, Arizona

Summary

Archaeologists from SWCA, Inc., Environmental Consultants, conducted test excavations at AZ AA:12:869 (ASM) on privately owned property of the Shannon Business Park Development. Fieldwork was conducted from October 18 to October 27, 2000. David Tucker served as SWCA's project manager and also directed the fieldwork. Anastasia Gutierrez and Victoria Evans assisted with the fieldwork. The backhoe used to dig test trenches was operated by Manuelito "Betto" Navaro of Lamb Excavation. Ms. Linda Gregonis analyzed the collected ceramics. Archaeological testing at this site was conducted in order to determine the presence, nature, and extent of subsurface cultural deposits as required under provisions of the Pima County Grading Ordinance.

This site was recorded when the Shannon Business Park Development property was surveyed in August, 2000 (Kaldahl 2000). Surface artifacts indicated that AZ AA:12:869 (ASM) is a Hohokam site consisting of a variable density sherd and lithic scatter that extends over an area approximately 310 x 165 m in size. Diagnostic artifacts include Middle Rincon Red-on-brown and Rio Rico Polychrome ceramics. One incised sherd is interpreted to be an unpainted portion of a Gila Butte Red-on-buff vessel. These artifacts indicate that the site was likely occupied during the Colonial and Sedentary periods (A.D. 750 to 1200). The density and distribution of the artifacts suggest that the site represents a small Hohokam habitation.

The distribution of the artifacts on the surface have apparently been drastically altered due to extensive agricultural activities on the lot. In the 1950s the area was a melon farm and a long-time local resident indicated that the lot was subsequently a cotton field up to the mid-1970s. Consequently, the lot has likely been leveled and subsurface disturbance from plowing is evident throughout the lot. Our testing shows that the plow zone extends at least 40 cm below the present surface, though impacts from cultivated plant roots likely extend deeper. It is unknown to what extent these impacts may have destroyed subsurface features. Nevertheless, one probable pithouse feature was discovered during testing as well as two possible sheet-midden areas, two indeterminate features, and two other features that are likely the result of natural burning. These features are all located in the southwest portion of the site, indicating that the original site was considerably smaller than the current surface distribution of artifacts. SWCA recommends that data recovery excavations be conducted within the portion of the site found to contain features.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SWCA DAHA Resources   •
• Digital Archive of Huhugam Archaeology (DAHA)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

Contributor(s): Anastasia Gutierrez; Victoria Evans; Manuelito Nevaro; Linda Gregonis; Tucson Blue Stake

Project Director(s): David B. Tucker

Prepared By(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

Record Identifiers

SWCA Project No.(s): 4372-2311

File Information