Archaeological Investigations at the Lonetree Site, AA:12:120 (ASM), in the Northern Tucson Basin

Summary

The following report describes the results of the archaeological investigations at the Lonetree site. Field investigations were conducted by Desert Archaeology, Inc. (formerly the Institute for American Research) under the sponsorship of the American Continental Corporation (AMCOR) between January and May of 1987. Lonetree (AZ AA:12:120 ASM) was identified as a multicomponent site occupied during the Pioneer period (A.D. 550-650) and the Sedentary period (A.D. 940-1150). A total of 256 prehistoric features were excavated, tested, and/or profiled at the site. The variety of features included 32 pithouse structures, 7 occupation surfaces, 40 extramural pits, 5 trash pits or middens, 129 intramural features, and 5 inhumation burials.

The analysis focused on the chronological significance of the early occupation including the refinement of Pioneer period ceramics. The results of this study have proposed the recognition of a new phase, the Tortolita phase, identified by the presence of plainware and redware ceramics, Tortolita Red. The presence of Vahki Red sherds (and to a lesser extent, the absence of later Pioneer period ceramics) suggests that the Tortolita phase was a Vahki phase equivalent, ending before the appearance of graywares or buffwares in the Tucson Basin. The Middle Rincon and Late Rincon subphase occupations at Lonetree consisted of the traditional Hohokam household arrangement that characterized other Sedentary period sites in the basin. Both appear to have been agriculturally oriented settlements, although occupation may have been temporally brief.

Perhaps one of Lonetree’s most important contributions relates to the documentation of early ceramic period cultural materials within the Tucson Basin. The typological description of Tortolita Red ceramics, along with the distribution and dating of Pioneer period features offer insight into the early Hohokam occupation of the region.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

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

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 550 to 650 (Pioneer Period Occupation)

Calendar Date: 1150 to 1400 (Classic Period)

Calendar Date: 940 to 1150 (Sedentary Period Occupation)

Calendar Date: 950 to 1150 (Rincon Phase)

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Desert Archaeology, Inc.

Contributor(s): Kurt Dongoske; Liga G. Eppley; Suzanne K. Fish; William B. Gillespie; James Heidke; James P. Homlund; James P. Lombard; Charles Miksicek; Arthur W. Vokes

Principal Investigator(s): Bill Doelle

Project Director(s): Fred Huntington

Prepared By(s): Desert Archaeology, Inc.

Submitted To(s): American Continental Corporation (AMCOR)

File Information