Archaeological Phase I and Phase II Data Recovery at Portions of AZ U:10:60 (ASM)-The In-Between Site-Williams Gateway Airport, Maricopa County, Arizona

Summary

Under contract to the Williams Gateway Airport Authority, SWCA Environmental Consultants conducted Phase I and Phase II data recovery at AZ U:10:60(ASM)—the In-Between Site. The site is thought to represent a plant food procurement and process locus on the Queen Creek Delta. AZ U:10:60 (ASM) has been the subject of extensive archaeological testing and data recovery. A total of 4440 m of trenches have been excavated at the site resulting in the identification of 13 features, including 2 possible pit structures, an horno, and 10 thermal or roasting pits.

Phase II data recovery focused on the detailed investigation of five previously identified and one newly identified features. All were exposed in trench profiles and excavated. Information on the size and morphology of the features was obtained and they were sampled for potential analysis of macrobotanical remains (flotation), pollen, and radiocarbon. Three of what appeared to be the better preserved features, Feature IB-1, 4-1, and A, were analyzed for macrobotanical and pollen remains. The results provided some information on the types of fuel wood used (mesquite and salt bush), but were otherwise ambiguous and uninforming.

The site appears to have been used sporadically over a long period. Ceramic sherds from it indicate use from the Colonial through Classic periods (A.D. 700/800-1400). It is likely peoples from nearby village sites were the ones using the area for procurement and processing on wild plants.

Based on the work completed at AZ U:10:60 (ASM), it is unlikely that further investigation of the site’s prehistoric archaeological remains would yield any additional information of significant or new scientific value. It is believed that any research potential that AZ U:10:60 (ASM) held has been exhausted by past and current investigations. No further archaeological investigation of AZ U:10:60 (ASM) is recommended. Furthermore, considering the lack of new and significant information yielded during the investigations of AZ U:10:60 (ASM), it is recommended that AZ U:10:60 (ASM) is no longer considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under criterion D.

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): Susan Smith; Karen Adams; Cara Schmidt

Prepared By(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

Submitted To(s): Williams Gateway Airport Authority

Record Identifiers

Task No.(s): IBDR1

SWCA Project No. (s): 6172-041

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