Revisiting Dendro Data at Betatakin and Keet Seel, Navajo National Monument

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Tree-Ring Materials as a Basis for Cultural Interpretations" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Tree-ring data have traditionally been used to study past climates and to establish detailed site construction sequences, particularly when paired with architectural analyses aimed at understanding wall bond-and-abutment patterns. In addition to climatological and temporal information, however, tree-ring data often indicate choices that builders make during construction. Tree species, beam preparation practices, and even the orientation of beams upon installation all reflect the way that builders conceive of roofs as elements in the production of architecture. Building on the work of Dr. Jeffrey Dean, this contribution focuses on understanding how roof construction reflects builder choices at the Kayenta communities of Betatakin and Keet Seel, located in present-day northeastern Arizona. Specifically, I examine roof construction practices between and within households in order to help understand the organization of architectural labor during the Tsegi Phase (A.D. 1250-1300) occupation of the alcoves.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Tree-Ring Materials as a Basis for Cultural Interpretations   •
• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 51024