Archaeological Testing at AZ AA:12:352 (ASM): The Schomac Parcel

Summary

Archaeological testing of a land parcel owned by the Schomac Group, Inc. identified 14 prehistoric cultural features on a remnant of the T2 Holocene terrace of the Santa Cruz River within the boundaries of the previously recorded site AZ A A:12:352 (ASM). Clustered on the eastern part of the parcel, they are preserved at a shallow depth beneath the present ground surface, and include two pit structures, one possible pit structure, three cremations, four possible cremations, three small pits, and a roasting pit. Based on the temporal range of diagnostic pottery sherds found on the surface, the features could date to anytime between A.D. 450 to 1450; however, characteristics of the pit structures and cremations suggest that the majority probably date to the latter part of that time range. One primary cremation was excavated at the request of representatives of the Tohono O'odham Nation. It contained a diverse assemblage of grave offerings, including ceramic vessels, textiles, basketry, and maize ears, and dates to the fourteenth or early fifteenth century A,D. based on the presence of two reconstructible Gila Polychrome bowls. Two historic features, an extensive trash dump, and a racetrack, are also visible on the surface of the more recent terrace on the western side of the parcel. They both date to the early twentieth century.

The prehistoric features, and possibly also the historic features, contribute to the eligibility of the site for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D. Options for the management of the prehistoric and historic cultural resources on the parcel include: 1) preservation through avoidance and/or intentional burial; and 2) mitigation of construction impacts through an archaeological data recovery program. The specific land use plans will determine whether preservation through avoidance and/or intentional burial is possible, and the necessary scope of any data recovery plan. Prior to implementation of any data recovery program or preservation methods, an Agreement on Burial Discoveries between the Arizona State Museum and interested Native American Groups (i.e., the Tohono O'odham Nation) must be developed in accordance with A.R.S. 41-844.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

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

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Desert Archaeology, Inc.

Contributor(s): Karen R. Adams; James M. Heidke

Repository(s): Desert Archaeology, Inc.

Prepared By(s): Desert Archaeology, Inc.

Submitted To(s): The Schomac Group, Inc.

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