new acquisition PRESERVING A RARE CADDOAN MOUND IN TEXAS

The Conservancy Purchases Rare Caddoan Mound in Texas

The site has one of only two documented Caddoan ash mounds.

new POINT acquisition

The Conservancy has purchased the A. C. Saunders site, a rare Caddo mound site in Anderson County, Texas, 20 miles southwest of Tyler. The site was first tested in the 1930s by A. T. Jackson, who identified a large mound over one hundred feet in diameter and seven feet tall, an associated midden area, and a scatter of artifacts. His excavations in the midden area revealed a number of postholes, indicating the presence of a large circular building.

When Jackson trenched the mound he discovered that it consisted primarily of ash, with very few associated artifacts. The ash heap was piled on a two-foot knoll and was capped with a layer of earth about one and a half-feet thick. There were no structures built on top of the capped mound and no burials were found associated with the mound. A few bones and sherds were found on the surface, and based on ceramic styles of the sherds, Jackson assigned the site to the late prehistoric Frankston phase (A.D. 1400–1600).

Turning to Spanish and French historical observations, Jackson cites an account by Father Manzanet describing a 1690 visit to a Caddo village that was probably located near the A. C. Saunders site. Father Manzanet described a circular thatch structure, which he called a “temple,” that was much larger than the other structures in the village. The temple contained a fire “which is never extinguished by night or by day.” In another account of a similar structure, a Father Morfi noted “they exercise great care in taking out of the temple the ashes of the sacred fire, which they keep to make large mounds. When they celebrate the removal of the bones of their enemies, killed in battle, they bury them in these ashes.”

Based on these accounts, Jackson concluded that the site was probably a perpetual fire temple with an associated ash mound. Another researcher, Ulrich Kleinschmidt, revisited the site in the early 1980s. He tentatively supported Jackson’s hypothesis, but noted that evidence is lacking to tie the date of the ash accumulation to the use of the large structure.

The A. C. Saunders site is the Conservancy’s 11th Texas preserve. Working with the Texas Historical Commission, the Conservancy will nominate the site as a state archaeological landmark. —Jim Walker

Two workers excavate post holes by sticking their arms in them. This excavation, led by A. T. Jackson, took place in 1935.

POINT Acquisitions The POINT Program is the Conservancy’s new emergency acquisition initiative to save sites throughout the country.

CONSER V ANC Y Field Notes

The Conservancy Transfers New Mexico Preserve to the Pueblo of Zuni

SOUTHWEST—Last September, the Pueblo of Zuni took title to Heshodan Imk’oskwi’a (Emerging Village), a 160-acre preserve formerly known as Box S Pueblo that was acquired by the Conservancy in January 2000. The large 1,100 room ancestral Zuni pueblo, which is directly adjacent to the Zuni reservation in west-central New Mexico, is believed to have been occupied in the late 13th century.

Prior to the property transfer, Conservancy personnel, members of Zuni Cultural Resource Enterprise (ZCRE), and volunteers used a detailed map of the site created last summer by ZCRE as a blueprint to stabilize looted areas of the site. In the Conservancy’s biggest stabilization project to date, workers moved more than 2,500 cubic yards of dirt into the 110 rooms that had been looted in the early 1980s. Prior to filling the rooms, workers defined the areas that were backfilled by laying down stoneware tiles created for this purpose. Following the room stabilization, workers seeded the area with native vegetation and fenced the site’s features.

The project, which took eight days to complete, fulfilled preservation goals that were outlined in a long-term management plan jointly designed by the Conservancy and the Zuni. The purchase of the site and some of the management tasks were made possible by a grant from the Lannan Foundation in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

One of the stoneware tiles made by Conservancy staff member Tione Joseph’s company, Sleeping Dog Designs, that was used at Heshodan Imk’oskwi’a. (Below) This chert flake may contain traces of protein from an ancient caribou.

New Discoveries in Jefferson New Hampshire

NORTHEAST—In July of 2000, the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources was alerted to a potential site near the Israel River Complex, a cluster of three Paleo-Indian sites in Jefferson, one of which was purchased by the Conservancy (see “Clovis Comes to New

Hampshire,” Fall 1998). New Hampshire’s Deputy State Archaeologist, Dick Boisvert, sent a crew from the State Conservation and Rescue Archaeology Program that did a test excavation that yielded a flake and the base of a Barnesstyle fluted point. A few weeks later, another crew excavated six more shovel test pits, recovering additional lithic debris. Further testing followed in October. In all, they excavated 17 test units that yielded 46 flakes, two unifacial lithics, the fluted point fragment, and a complete Bull Brook- or Gainey-style fluted point.

The complete point and an exotic Munsungun chert flake from northern Maine were analyzed for protein residue. The point tested negative, but the flake had protein from a member of the deer family. Boisvert thinks it’s most likely caribou, though deer, moose, or elk are possibilities. This finding is unprecedented in New England Paleo-Indian studies and represents one of only a

handful of Paleo sites with any physical evidence of fauna. The site, called Jefferson IV, has been added to the Israel River Complex.

Wal-Mart Gives the Conservancy Deed at Grand Opening

SOUTHWEST—During the opening ceremony held at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Coolidge, Arizona, the company gave the Conservancy title to 13.7 acres of land adjacent to the store. The land contains portions of the prehistoric Hohokam community associated with nearby Casa Grande Ruins and the Grewe site. Wal-Mart announced its intention to donate the land for preservation back in March of 2000, when archaeological testing showed a high density of pithouses and other prehistoric features below the surface. Prior to its construction, the store was relocated on the property to avoid harming any of the buried features.

“Wal-Mart’s development of this store was highly responsive to the importance of the underlying archaeological site,” said Keith Kintigh, president of the Society for American Archaeology and an anthropology professor at Arizona State University. “The company’s donation of archaeologically significant areas represents an outstanding and enduring contribution to Southwestern prehistory and to the people of the United States.”

The donation connects Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and the Grewe site, 32 acres of which the Conservancy recently established as a permanent preserve with the help of the Faul and Cole families and an Arizona Heritage Fund Grant. The Conservancy worked with representatives of Wal-Mart Stores to design a long-term management plan for the property.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Marana Mound Site Excavations Fridays and Saturdays until May 2, resuming in late October, near Marana, Arizona. Participate in excavations at this Hohokam village site, which features a large platform mound. Space is limited and participants must pre-register. Contact Jada St. John at Arizona State Museum: (520) 626-5587 or jstjohn@email.arizona.edu. Kansas Archaeology Training Program June 2–17, Atchison, Kansas. The program offers an opportunity to learn archaeological concepts and methods through classroom instruction and hands-on experience in site survey, test excavations, and lab work. Prehistoric and possibly historic sites will be the focus of the program. Registration deadline is May 4. Contact Virginia Wulfkuhle at the Kansas State Historical Society: (785) 2728681, ext. 226, or vwulfkuhle@kshs.org. Kids Archaeology Day Camp June 9 and 16, Wickliffe Mounds Research Center,Wickliffe, Kentucky. Children ages 3rd through 7th grade will learn archaeological methods and aspects of Native American tool technology at this prehistoric Mississippian village site. $10 registration fee. Call Carla Hildebrand at (270) 335-3681, or carla.hildebrand@murraystate.edu. Mission San Antonio de Padua June 17–July 27, near King City, California. The California Polytechnic State University’s six-week course includes field and laboratory methods and lectures on this Spanish Colonial site, which dates between 1771 and 1834. Call Robert Hoover at (805) 5440176 or rhoover@calpoly.edu. Heritage Expeditions June–September, Lolo National Forest (Montana), the Rogue River/Siskiyou and Willamette National Forests (Oregon), and the Modoc National Forest (California). The USDA Forest Service offer archaeological excavations, guided tours, and training in historic preservation, horsemanship, packing, and wilderness camping. Call (530) 233-8730, or visit the Web site www.fs.fed.us/recreation/heritage.

Special rates for groups. Call for FREE CATALOG!

Weymouth Wildlife Art 1.800.268.5061

NEW ENGLAND ANTIQUITIES RESEARCH ASSOCIATION

35 years in the forefront recording, researching and preserving enigmatic stonework throughout the Northeast ACROSS

BEFORE COLUMBUS?

Thirty scholars present evidence for transoceanic contact with the Americas prior to 1492. 320 pages, richly illustrated $26 including shipping Order through NEARA Publications 94 Cross Point Road, Edgecomb, ME, 04556 Phone (207) 882-9425 Fax (207) 882-8162 Or on the web at www.NEARA.org For membership information (508) 753-5187 email krosspt@lincoln.midcoast.com

T H E A R C H A E O L O G I C A L C O N S E R V A N C Y

Spectacular scenery and a variety of wildlife await rafters around every bend of the San Juan River.

Rafting Through Time Upcoming Tours – Fall 2001

OAXACA, MEXICO

SAN JU AN RIVER T OUR

When: June 2–9, 2001 Where: Southeastern Utah How much: $1,495 ($45 single supplement) If you love floating downriver, camping under the stars, or exploring remote archaeological sites, our San Juan River trip is sure to be an adventure you’ll enjoy. In Bluff, Utah, you’ll begin a six-day journey down the scenic San Juan River, including its famous “goosenecks” stretch. Among the highlights of the trip are visits to several archaeological sites, such as River House, the largest cliff dwelling on the San Juan. You’ll also visit Chinle Wash, the famous setting for author Tony Hillerman’s novel A Thief of Time.

At Lower Butler Wash you’ll view what is considered one of the Southwest’s most beautiful rock art sites. For those who wish to explore beyond the river, there are opportunities throughout the trip to hike river trails, including Honaker Trail, a famous trail once used by prospectors. David Grant Noble, photographer and author of such books as Ancient Ruins of the Southwest and New Light on Chaco, will accompany the tour and share his insights about the people who once lived in this isolated region.

In addition to being in Oaxaca during the Day of the Dead festivities, our tour explores the Mixtecan and Zapotecan archaeological sites in the region, including Mitla, Monte Albán, San José Mogote, and Dainzú. You’ll also travel to several crafts villages where you’ll find weaving, pottery, carved animals, and other local art.

MASTER PO TTERS OF THE SOUTHERN DESERTS

This new tour explores the ceramic traditions and cultures of the Hohokam, Mimbres, and Casas Grandes people. The trip includes Hohokam ruins and pottery from the Phoenix and Tucson areas, Spanish missions and presidios, and a behind the scenes look at over 10,000 pots on display at the Arizona State Museum. You’ll also see New Mexico’s Gila Cliff Dwellings, extensive collections of Mimbres pottery, Northern Mexico’s Casas Grandes, the potters of Mata Ortiz, and the mysterious Cave of the Ollas.

Guide to Rock Art of the Utah Region: Sites with Public Access

By Dennis Slifer

(Ancient City Press, 2000; 245 pgs., illus.; $16 paper; 800-249-7737) For those who wish to leave their armchairs to experience the wonders of rock art first hand, this book, also by Dennis Slifer, is an excellently organized guide to more than 50 sites in and around the Colorado Plateau that are now open to the public. The book includes a comprehensive overview of rock art styles and the cultural traditions that produced them, maps and directions for locating the sites, and extensive descriptions of the imagery. Slifer also includes much-appreciated chapters on rock art conservation and site etiquette, as well as photography tips.

Whitley suggests that a clue may be found in neuropsychology. Scientists who study brain chemistry during altered states of consciousness have discovered that short-term memory is severely impaired during a trance. This observation eerily echoes ethnographic accounts of the great difficulty shamans had in remembering their hallucinogenic experiences. Perhaps recording these important sacred events in paint or carving was a way of ensuring that they would not be forgotten.

Whitley’s ingenious thesis also offers an explanation for the puzzling geometric motifs that proliferate in rock art, which have often been dismissed as mere decorative graffiti. These images are strikingly similar to the optical illusions reported by subjects to accompany a trance state or as precursors to migraine headaches. By drawing on findings from divergent fields, Whitley has produced a highly original synthesis of current research into the meaning of these ubiquitous and haunting images.

Another book dealing with the interpretation of rock art is Polly Schaafsma’s Warrior, Shield, and Star, which investigates the depiction of warfare in Southwest rock art as a means of understanding violence and conflict among the prehistoric Pueblo peoples. The rock art and kiva murals in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico incorporate some of the most dramatic, graphic images in Pueblo art. Representations of shields and other weapons, warriors, animal war patrons, and other warfare iconography suggest a very different culture from the traditional “peaceful farmer” model of the Anasazi.

Schaafsma’s investigation combines interpretation of these symbols with ethnographic data from diverse sources to shed light on the ideological motivations for institutionalized conflict during the Pueblo IV period (ca. A.D. 1325–1600). The art indicates that organized warrior societies and kachina cults evolved during this time, and that warfare was important to the rainmaking and sun cults that sought to ensure agricultural success. The concluding chapter relates ancient war symbols to modern Pueblo war societies, where some of the more traditional rituals are still performed.

Fertility has long been recognized as a theme of primary importance in the art of prehistoric cultures. The abundance and universality of fertility images suggest that a primary concern of ancient peoples was the appeasement of supernatural forces to assure the continuation of life, not just of humans, but of other animals and plants upon which human life depended. The Serpent and the Sacred Fire, by Dennis Slifer, features hundreds of diagrams and numerous photographs focusing on the iconography of fertility, creation, and abundance, and the connection between sexuality and the sacred, in the rock art of the American Southwest. Slifer further compares these images to those found in the art of tribal peoples from other parts of the world to demonstrate the archetypal nature of such depictions.

Undoubtedly, as research progresses on this compelling subject, new discoveries and insights will continue to add to our understanding. Nonetheless, these three scholars have given us a great deal to think about and admire in the ancient people who preceded us in this place. —Betsy Greenlee

Past Portrait

Pueblo pottery from the Spanish Colonial village of San José de las Huertas, 1764–1823, a Conservancy preserve in New Mexico.

(See the related article in Field Notes, page 43.)

Parkin Archeological State Park

parkin, arkansas

Began as a Conservancy Preserve in 1985

Yes, I’m interested in making a planned-giving donation to The Archaeological Conservancy and saving money on my taxes. Please send more information on:

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TIERNY SPENCER Make your mark in time. Some Conservancy members think the only way to help save archaeological sites is through membership dues. While dues are a constant lifeline, there are many ways you can support the Conservancy’s work, both today and well into the future. And by supporting the Conservancy, you not only safeguard our past for your children and grandchildren, you also may save some money.

Place stock in the Conservancy. Evaluate your investments. Some members choose to make a difference by donating stock. Such gifts offer a charitable deduction for the full value instead of paying capital gains tax.

Give a charitable gift annuity. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to make a gift of cash and securities today that lets you receive extensive tax benefits as well as an income for as long as you live.

leave a lasting legacy. Many people consider protecting our cultural heritage by remembering the Conservancy in their will. While providing us with a dependable source of income, bequests may qualify you for an estate tax deduction.

Whatever kind of gift you give, you can be sure we’ll use it to preserve places like Parkin Archeological State Park and our other 200 sites across the United States.

Mail information requests to:

The Archaeological Conservancy Attn: Planned Giving 5301 Central Avenue NE Suite 402 Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517

Or call:

(505) 266-1540