Albert Porter Pueblo (Site 5MT123)
Montezuma County, Colorado

Annual Report, 2003 Field Season

By Susan C. Ryan

Introduction

Albert Porter Pueblo (Site 5MT123) is a prehispanic village site located in the central Mesa Verde region (Figure 1). The types of pottery found on the modern ground surface suggest that people were living on the site at least as early as the Pueblo I period (A.D. 750–900) and perhaps even during Basketmaker III times (A.D. 500–750). The most intensive occupation, however, dates from the Pueblo II (A.D. 900–1150) and Pueblo III (A.D. 1150–1300) periods. The remains of a possible Chaco-era great house and the presence of both Pueblo II and Pueblo III pottery types on the modern ground surface indicate that the site reached its maximum extent sometime between A.D. 1100 and 1250.

Site Location and Ownership

Albert Porter Pueblo is located on the upland between Sandstone and Woods canyons in Montezuma County, Colorado. Most of the site, including the most-obvious concentrations of architecture visible on the ground surface, is contained within the boundaries of an 11.6-acre preserve owned by The Archaeological Conservancy. This parcel of land was donated to the Conservancy by members of the Porter family in 1988. The test excavations currently being conducted by the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center are entirely within the boundaries of the Conservancy property.

History of Archaeological Investigations

Only limited research had been conducted at Albert Porter Pueblo before the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center began testing in 2001. A Colorado state site form was completed in 1965 as part of a University of Colorado survey. A small number of artifacts were collected from the modern ground surface during this survey; today they are curated at the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores, Colorado. In the early 1980s, a sketch map of "Hedrick Ruin" (the original name of the site) was compiled by Art Rohn of Wichita State University. In the late 1980s, Mark Chenault, then a graduate student at the University of Colorado, used a transit to produce a more detailed map of the site. In 1995, researchers at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center studied Albert Porter Pueblo as part of the Village Mapping Project (Lipe and Ortman 2000*1; Varien and Wilshusen 2002*1). A detailed topographic map of the site was made from aerial photographs. Crow Canyon archaeologists used this map, together with the earlier documentation and additional mapping points shot in with a laser transit, to create a composite AutoCAD map showing topography, selected rubble mounds, and pit structures. Surface artifacts and middens were obscured by dense vegetation when this map was produced; artifact scatters and middens visible on the modern ground surface were recorded several years later, in 2001. In 1995, Albert Porter Pueblo was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places as an example of a habitation site with public architecture (Lipe 1995*3); the site was formally placed on the register in 1999.

To date, the only professional excavations undertaken at Albert Porter Pueblo have been conducted by the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center (Ryan 2002*1, 2003*1). In 2000, The Archaeological Conservancy granted Crow Canyon permission to conduct a two-year testing project at Albert Porter; in 2002, permission was extended an additional two years, giving Crow Canyon researchers a total of four years in which to conduct fieldwork. Testing began in 2001 and is scheduled for completion at the end of the 2004 field season.

Permits and Reporting

Fieldwork in 2003 was conducted with the permission of The Archaeological Conservancy, under State of Colorado Archaeological Permit Number 2003-17. This interim report summarizes Crow Canyon's accomplishments at Albert Porter Pueblo during this season; summaries of the work conducted in 2001 and 2002 are provided in Ryan (2002*1, 2003*1). Upon completion of all fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and synthetic studies, Crow Canyon will publish the results of its research on this Web site.

Research Objectives

In general, research at Albert Porter Pueblo is guided by Crow Canyon's current research design, titled "Communities Through Time: Migration, Cooperation, and Conflict" (Varien and Thompson 1996*1). This research examines the development and depopulation of ancestral Pueblo communities in the central Mesa Verde region. Data are gathered and examined at the level of the residential site, the community, and the region. Site-level data are provided by surface collections and test excavations at multiple sites; at Albert Porter, these data are being generated as we test each architectural block identified during mapping (Figure 2). On the community level, Crow Canyon researchers have attempted to identify groups of residential sites that may have formed ancient communities. A community is defined by Varien (1999*1:19) as "many households that live close to one another, have regular face-to-face interaction, and share the use of local social and natural resources."

Crow Canyon researchers believe that the settlement clusters that make up a community have a single site that served as the community center. The community-center-succession model suggests that the form of community centers changed over time (Lipe and Ortman 2000*1). During the A.D. 1050–1150 period, community centers were large, isolated buildings, usually in upland settings and sometimes accompanied by a great kiva. During the A.D. 1150–1225 period, community centers consisted of clusters of buildings, usually located in upland areas and often having a large structure in the center of the cluster. In the A.D. 1225–1300 period, community centers were large, aggregated villages in canyon settings.

Albert Porter Pueblo is believed to be part of the Woods Canyon community, named for Woods Canyon Pueblo, a large village located approximately 1.8 km from Albert Porter Pueblo (Figure 3) and test excavated by Crow Canyon in the 1990s (see Churchill 2002*1). Architectural and pottery evidence suggests that Albert Porter Pueblo became the community center for the Woods Canyon community sometime during the A.D. 1050–1225 period; similar evidence suggests that Woods Canyon Pueblo became the community center during the A.D. 1225–1300 period. However, more data are needed from Albert Porter to confirm that it ceased to serve as the community center in the early A.D. 1200s. Comparisons among Albert Porter Pueblo, Woods Canyon Pueblo, and Woods Canyon Reservoir (a third site investigated by Crow Canyon [see Churchill 2002*1; Wilshusen et al. 1997*1]) should facilitate community-level research and allow us to reconstruct the development of the Woods Canyon community over almost three centuries. What we learn from this reconstruction will be compared with data generated for 27 other similar, long-lasting communities in the Mesa Verde region. The results of these comparative studies will be used to address the broader issues of regional settlement patterns, movements of people across the landscape, and the depopulation of the region as a whole in the late A.D. 1200s (see Ortman et al. [2000*1], Varien [1999*1], and Varien et al. [1996*1] for further discussion of communities and community-based studies).

Field and laboratory methods for the Albert Porter Pueblo project are outlined in the detailed research design, titled "A Proposal to Conduct Archaeological Testing at the Albert Porter Preserve" (Varien 2000*2). The overarching goal of the Albert Porter Pueblo project is to reconstruct the historic development of the pueblo and of the community of which it was a part. We hope to identify the various periods of occupation, to document population growth and/or decline over time, and to shed light on the emergence and role of the site as a community center. Community centers in the Mesa Verde region were focal points within their respective communities, and they are recognized archaeologically by the presence of distinctive residential and public architecture (Adler and Varien 1994*1:83–97; Varien 1999*1). At Albert Porter Pueblo, Architectural Block 100, referred to as the "great house" in this report, is distinctive in terms of its size, layout, and architectural details. Albert Porter is interpreted as a community center because of the presence of the great house and the dense concentration of 10 smaller architectural units surrounding it. Thus, Crow Canyon's research at Albert Porter has the potential to provide important new insights into the historical development, population dynamics, and human environmental impacts of one of the most important sites in the Mesa Verde region.

Our specific research goals at Albert Porter Pueblo are threefold: (1) to identify and date each period of occupation, (2) to determine if the site was occupied continuously or at intervals, and (3) to estimate the number of people who inhabited the pueblo during each period of occupation. The results of our research will be used to examine two important questions: First, to what extent is there an identifiable Chacoan influence at Albert Porter Pueblo? Second, was there a change in community organization between the Chaco (A.D. 1050–1150) and post-Chaco (A.D. 1150–1300) periods? The transition between the Chaco and post-Chaco periods was marked by the most severe drought (A.D. 1130–1180) experienced by Pueblo people in the northern San Juan region (Dean and Van West 2002*1) and is the least understood time in Pueblo prehistory in this area (Lipe and Varien 1999*2:292). Research at Albert Porter Pueblo will address these important questions as well as issues of general anthropological interest, including the nature of leadership; the organization of decision-making; the development of, and/or resistance to, social inequality; and the role of public architecture in the development of social complexity.

Field Methods

All Crow Canyon fieldwork is conducted using methods that are consistent with the principles of conservation archaeology (Lipe 1974*1). A detailed description of Crow Canyon's field methods and provenience system can be found in the on-line field manual. As specified in our research design, less than 1 percent of Albert Porter Pueblo will be disturbed through excavation, leaving the majority of the site intact for future study. Field research at Albert Porter Pueblo focuses on five distinct contexts: (1) modern ground surface, (2) middens (trash deposits) located outside structures, (3) pit structures, (4) the exterior faces of the north walls of roomblocks, and (5) surface rooms. In addition, subsurface anomalies detected using remote-sensing technology are systematically tested for the presence of structures and other cultural features.

Modern Ground Surface Collections

In 2002, surface artifacts were collected from "dog-leash" units that consisted of 3-m-radius circles placed in the centers of 84 20-x-20-m grid squares (Table 1); almost the entire site area contained within the boundaries of the Conservancy preserve was included in the surface-collection grid. Dead vegetation was raked from the collection circles, and the visibility was recorded for each unit. The collection of artifacts from the modern ground surface allowed us to map areas of low, moderate, and high artifact density across the site. These data help us (1) quantitatively assess the types and abundance of artifacts present on the modern ground surface, (2) identify and locate different temporal components present at the site, and (3) make inferences about subsurface deposits and features.

Midden Testing

Stratified midden (trash) deposits located outside structures are tested with randomly selected 1-x-1-m units. The artifact-assemblage data generated as a result will be used to (1) establish a basic site chronology, (2) identify the types of activities that took place in different architectural blocks, (3) make inferences about prehistoric subsistence practices and trade networks, and (4) reconstruct the past environment. The data will also be useful in a variety of intrasite and intersite comparative studies.

The diversity of artifact types in an archaeological sample is directly correlated with sample size (Jones et al. 1983*1). To ensure that the sample from Albert Porter Pueblo is representative of the diversity of the site assemblage as a whole (and not a function of sample size), our midden sampling strategy calls for the excavation of different numbers of test units, depending on the size (area) of the midden being tested. In middens ranging from 100 to 200 m² in area, 10 1-x-1-m units are excavated (5 to 10 percent of the total area), and in middens larger than 200 m², 15 units are excavated (with the goal of testing approximately 5 percent of the total area). In middens smaller than 100 m², enough units are excavated to account for 10 percent of the total area.

Pit Structure Testing

The excavation strategy for pit structures at Albert Porter Pueblo calls for the excavation of a 2-x-2-m unit down to the level of collapsed roof sediment in selected kivas. Once roof deposits are uncovered, the size of the test pit is reduced to 1-x-2 m, and excavation continues to the floor of the structure, with the goal of exposing the hearth. This strategy is designed to ensure the collection of information that will allow us to address four critical areas of research. First, the collection of tree-ring samples is key to reconstructing the chronological history of the site and dating each period of occupation. Wood preserves best when it has burned, and research indicates that pit structures are the buildings most commonly burned in Pueblo sites in the northern San Juan region (Cameron 1990*1; Wilshusen 1988*5). Therefore, one of our primary goals in testing pit structures at Albert Porter is to retrieve burned wood, primarily from roof-fall deposits, which will provide important chronological data. Second, ash collected from structure hearths has the potential to provide information on environmental conditions, structure function, diet, and the economic status of the individuals who occupied the structure (Adams 1999*1). Hearths are part of the standard feature complement in pit structures, and they are consistently located in the approximate center of the structures; our test pits are carefully placed to take advantage of this predictability. Third, test excavations in pit structures are undertaken to provide information on construction techniques and styles, which in turn will help us identify periods of occupation and, possibly, the degree of Chacoan influence at the site. For example, on the basis of characteristics visible on the modern ground surface, Architectural Block 100 was interpreted as a possible Chaco-era great house. It is therefore important for us to identify the architectural style of this building as either Mesa Verde or Chacoan. Key architectural features that will allow us to make this distinction include structure shape, pilaster style, masonry style, and type of ventilation system. And, finally, although Crow Canyon does not excavate for the purpose of finding human skeletal remains—and does not collect any remains recognized as human in the field—it is known that several pit structures at Albert Porter Pueblo date from a period of increased violence in the Mesa Verde region, A.D. 900–1300 (Kuckelman et al. 2000*1). Therefore, it is important to document the presence or absence of human remains in pit structures. (To read Crow Canyon's policy on the treatment of human remains and associated funerary objects, see the field manual.)

Testing of the Exterior Faces of the North Walls of Roomblocks

To date, six 1-x-2-m units have been excavated to expose the exterior faces of the north walls of selected masonry roomblocks. The purpose of these excavations is twofold: (1) to provide information on construction sequences and (2) to help us evaluate the possible Chacoan influence at the pueblo. Evidence of Chacoan influence in roomblock construction includes banded masonry, foundation footer trenches, and multistory construction (Hurst 2000*1). At Albert Porter, the test units placed along the exterior faces of roomblock walls are excavated from the modern ground surface down to undisturbed native sediment, which is interpreted as having been the occupational ground surface when the site was first inhabited. The excavation of these units allows us to determine whether footer trenches are present (indicating a planned layout) and whether the walls rest on undisturbed native sediment or on earlier cultural deposits. Pottery recovered from cultural deposits beneath wall foundations helps us specify the chronological relationship between the earlier occupation and the masonry roomblock, which in turn refines our understanding of the occupational history of the pueblo.

Testing of Surface Rooms in Roomblocks

By the end of Crow Canyon's field investigation, approximately 10 surface rooms will have been tested within the great house in Architectural Block 100. Specifically, the strategy calls for the excavation of 1-x-2-m units in rooms that we suspect might have served special functions and/or that appear to have been built during different periods. Each test unit is located adjacent to a room wall, allowing us to observe construction details, to record evidence of remodeling, and to document key architectural features that could be interpreted as evidence of Chacoan influence. Architectural evidence of Chacoan influence includes corner doorways, room-wide platforms, and intramural beams (Bradley 1988*1; Hurst 2000*1; Lekson 1986*1). The great house has between 50 and 75 rooms, so these test units will sample approximately 5 percent of the rooms.

Testing of Remote-Sensing Anomalies

During the 2001 field season, an electrical-resistance survey was conducted on 40 20-x-20-m grid units, for a total area of 16,000 m². The area surveyed included land north, east, west, and southeast of the great house (in Architectural Block 100). Results of the resistance survey indicated the presence of 36 possible pit structures (in addition to those already identified on the basis of surface indications), multiple linear features representing possible footpaths, a number of possible middens and surface rooms, a natural bedrock formation in the eastern portion of the surveyed area, and a CO₂ pipeline along the east edge (Figure 4). These results more than doubled the number of architectural areas identified from evidence visible on the modern ground surface (Figure 5). A proposal written by Crow Canyon researchers and accepted by The Archaeological Conservancy allowed the testing, in 2002, of the 36 possible pit structures with 7-cm-diameter auger holes to confirm the presence and type of cultural feature present. The results of auger-testing suggested that 33 of the anomalies are indeed pit structures, and six of those were tested in 2003, using methods described under "Pit Structure Testing," above.

The 2003 Field Season

The 2003 season was Crow Canyon's third year of field investigations at Albert Porter Pueblo. Our research objectives for the 2003 field season were as follows: (1) to expand and complete the excavation and documentation of pit structures identified during the 2001 field season; (2) to recover data from unsampled midden areas on the site; (3) to begin test excavating remote-sensing anomalies identified by the electrical-resistance survey; (4) to test excavate selected surface rooms in the great house (in Architectural Block 100); and (5) to excavate selected units located along the exterior face of the north wall of the great house.

Research during the 2003 field season was conducted by Crow Canyon staff with the assistance of student and adult participants in the Center's research and education programs. Excavations were conducted in eight of the nine defined architectural blocks: Blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 800, 900, and 1000. Table 2 lists each excavation unit by block and provides information on average depth, the presence of features and structures, and the status of excavation (complete vs. incomplete) at the end of the 2003 field season.

The following sections contain brief descriptions of excavated contexts, as well as preliminary inferences regarding the dating of structures. These inferences are based on stratigraphic sequences, the presence or absence of burned beams in roof-fall deposits, tree-ring dates (yielded by samples collected in 2001; see Table 3), and pottery data (following Wilson and Blinman 1991*2).

Architectural Block 100

Architectural Block 100 consists primarily of a large, distinctive building complex that I refer to as the "great house." Lipe and Varien (1999*2:258) describe great houses as "having massive masonry walls, blocked-in kivas, and a much higher degree of architectural formality" than surrounding architecture; at least portions of them are often multistory. In the central Mesa Verde region, they appear to have been built from about A.D. 1075 to the early 1100s, although some continued to be used into the 1200s (Lipe and Varien 1999*2:256, 258, 273). Because some of their architectural characteristics resemble those documented in the great houses of Chaco Canyon (in present-day northwestern New Mexico), and because the period of their construction falls within the Chaco "era," these structures in the Mesa Verde region are sometimes viewed as local expressions of Chacoan influence during the late Pueblo II period. Although evidence visible on the modern ground surface at Albert Porter Pueblo (for example, the presence of a blocked-in kiva and what appears to be two-story construction) suggests that Architectural Block 100 might be a Chaco-era great house, more data are needed to either support or refute such an interpretation. Therefore, one of Crow Canyon's goals in 2003 was to gather additional information about this building that would lead to a better understanding of when the complex was built and what function it may have had within the village and the community. During 2003, testing in Architectural Block 100 focused on pit structures, surface rooms, and the exterior face of the north wall of the block; a number of test pits were excavated in two associated middens as well.

Nonstructure 101

During the 2003 field season, 15 1-x-1-m units were excavated to test Nonstructure 101, a midden deposit located in the southeastern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2). Deposits from Nonstructure 101 are presumed to be associated with two pit structures—Structures 116 and 117—to the north; the midden is located downslope from the pit structures, so sediment and artifacts probably washed downhill and collected in this area. Five features were found in Nonstructure 101. Three were pit features found in two 1-x-1-m units (476N 552E and 489N 558E). The features were basin-shaped depressions that had been excavated into undisturbed native sediment. Their original function(s) are unknown because all three pits lacked the distinguishing characteristics that would allow such a determination to be made; their presence, however, is evidence that this part of the site was used for some unknown activity or activities before it became a trash dump. After the pits fell out of use, they filled with trash that was discarded in this area and/or washed downslope. The two remaining features discovered in Nonstructure 101 consisted of a human burial and the pit in which it was found. The exposed portion of the burial consisted of part of a right wrist and hand and a small portion of the lower legs; these were found in a basin-shaped pit in a 1-x-1-m unit (location omitted). Excavation ceased, and the bone was analyzed in situ. Analysis of the bone indicated an age range of 30 to 45 years for this individual. No definitive sex characteristics were observable on the exposed bones, but the bones appeared to be small and somewhat gracile, indicating that the individual might have been female. After analysis was complete, the unit was backfilled. Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 101 indicates that the deposition of secondary refuse occurred primarily during the Pueblo II period but also continued into the early Pueblo III period.

Nonstructure 106

During the 2003 field season, 15 1-x-1-m units were excavated to test Nonstructure 106, a midden deposit located at the north end of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2). Four of the 1-x-1-m units were completed by the end of the 2003 field season. Two pit features were found in two 1-x-1-m units in this midden (519N 497E and 528N 504E). Both features were basin-shaped depressions that had been excavated into undisturbed native sediment. The original function(s) of the pits are unknown, because both features lacked the distinguishing characteristics that would allow such a determination to be made; their presence, however, is evidence that this part of the site was used for some unknown activity or activities before it became a trash dump. After the pits fell out of use, they filled with refuse that was discarded in this area and/or washed downslope. Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 106 indicates that the refuse was deposited during the Pueblo II and Pueblo III periods.

Structure 108

Structure 108 is a pit structure located in the west-central portion of the great house (Figure 6). During the 2002 field season, a hearth and a portion of a floor vault were exposed in the northern half of a 2-x-2-m test unit (Ryan 2003*1). Because the structure is immediately south of what is believed to be the original construction of the great house, we decided to expand the excavation south of the original 2-x-2-m unit to uncover the masonry bench and ventilation system; our goal was to see if the architectural details of these features showed signs of Chacoan influence. The 1-x-2-m expansion unit exposed a portion of the southern recess, the bench, a pilaster, the entire subfloor vault, a subfloor ventilation system that had been remodeled into an above-floor ventilation system, and two prepared adobe floor surfaces. The presence of a subfloor ventilation system and floor vault may indicate Chacoan influence. The visible masonry was of McElmo-style construction—that is, it consisted of fairly large, blocky sandstone rocks, and no chinking was observed in the mortar. This style of construction is common in the Mesa Verde region. The roof timbers had been removed after the structure fell into disuse, indicating that people continued to live at the site (or at a nearby site) after Structure 108 was no longer occupied. Archaeomagnetic samples were collected from the hearth collar to determine an approximate date for the last use of Structure 108, but the results were not available as of this writing. Pottery collected from the structure floor suggests that the structure dates from the Pueblo III period.

Structure 110

Structure 110 is a pit structure located in the northwestern portion of the great house (Figure 6). Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. In 2003, this unit was divided into two 1-x-2-m units, and the northern of the two was excavated to the structure floor (Surface 1). A portion of a masonry bench and a segment of the upper lining wall were exposed. The visible masonry was of McElmo-style construction. Numerous burned primary beams found in collapsed roof debris were collected for tree-ring analysis. It appears that the roof had been intentionally burned when the occupants moved from Structure 110, and the debris had collapsed directly onto the floor. A complete McElmo Black-on-white mug was resting on the exposed portion of the bench surface. A circular hearth was partly exposed in the northeastern portion of the 1-x-2-m unit; the western quarter (or less) of the hearth was excavated, and approximately 9.5 liters of ash were collected for flotation analysis. An assessment of when this structure was constructed awaits the results of tree-ring analysis, but preliminary analysis of pottery collected from the roof sediments suggests that Structure 110 dates from the Pueblo III period.

Structure 111

Structure 111 is a pit structure located in the northwestern portion of the great house, immediately east of Structure 110 (Figure 6). Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season; this unit was divided into one 1-x-2-m unit and two .50-x-.50-m units during the 2003 field season. The 1-x-2-m unit (located in what was the center of the original 2-x-2-m unit) was excavated through unburned roof sediments to the structure floor. It appears that the primary and secondary roof beams had been removed when the roof was dismantled. Collapsed roof sediments rested directly on the structure floor. A coursed-masonry deflector and a circular hearth were exposed. The masonry deflector was of McElmo-style construction and contained a small niche in the south-central portion of its north face. The entire hearth was exposed within the 1-x-2-m unit, but only the northern third was excavated; approximately 13 liters of ash were collected for flotation analysis. A mano fragment and a Morrison chert flake were also collected from the hearth. Several Late White Painted sherds were found in direct contact with the floor, indicating that Structure 111 dates from the late Pueblo II and early Pueblo III periods.

Structures 112, 126, and 131

Structure 112 is the only known aboveground, blocked-in "pit structure" identified to date at Albert Porter Pueblo, and it is believed to be part of the original construction of the great house. Located in the northwestern portion of the great house (Figure 6), this structure was built inside a rectangular enclosing wall, designated Structure 126. A short segment of poorly understood masonry wall discovered within the same space defined by this enclosing wall has been designated Structure 131, although additional excavation may reveal that it is in fact part of Structure 112. Figure 7 shows the spatial relationships between the exposed portions of these structures, and excavation details are provided in the following paragraphs.

Excavation in Structure 112 began in a 2-x-2-m unit in the south half of the structure during the 2002 field season (Figure 7); this unit was divided into two 1-x-2-m units during the 2003 field season. The eastern 1-x-2-m unit was excavated through unburned roof sediments to the structure floor. The discovery of roof sediments lying directly on the floor suggests that the primary and secondary roof beams had been removed when the roof was dismantled. A pilaster and a portion of the masonry bench and upper lining wall were exposed in the western 1-x-2-m unit. The visible masonry appeared to be of McElmo-style construction. The structure floor, a subfloor ventilation system, and portions of a hearth were exposed in the eastern 1-x-2-m unit. The entire exposed portion of the subfloor ventilation system was excavated (an estimated three-quarters of the feature), and fragments of a wood lintel were collected for tree-ring analysis. The southern quarter of the hearth was excavated; approximately 9 liters of ash were screened through 1/8-inch mesh, and an additional 12 liters were collected for flotation analysis. Charcoal, animal bone, and one sherd were collected from the screened ash. The aboveground, blocked-in construction of Structure 112 and the presence of a subfloor ventilation system suggest a Chacoan influence. Pottery collected from roof sediments indicates that Structure 112 was occupied until the Pueblo III period. The tree-ring samples collected from the subfloor ventilation system may provide a date of construction for Structure 112, when the results of analysis become known.

Also in 2003, a second, noncontiguous test unit was excavated about 1.5 m north and west of the original test unit, in the northwestern corner of the rectangular enclosing wall, Structure 126 (Figure 7). Excavation of this 1-x-2-m unit proceeded from the modern ground surface into naturally deposited, postabandonment sediments until, at a depth of approximately 25 cm, a portion of a coursed-masonry upper lining wall was exposed in the east half of the unit. Because it is unclear whether the curved upper lining wall is part of Structure 112 or part of a second "pit structure" located inside the same enclosing wall, it has been designated a separate structure, Structure 131 (Figure 7). Expanded excavations planned for 2004 should allow us to identify the exact number of structures in this location and better understand the spatial relationships between them.

Excavation in the second test pit revealed that clay construction fill in Structure 126 supported the exterior face of the upper lining wall of Structure 131; we stopped excavating this fill once the upper lining wall was exposed, but not before the masonry in the northwest corner of Structure 126 was exposed. An approximately 1-m-long section of the west wall and a 2-m-long section of the north wall were observed. The north wall abutted the west wall. The visible masonry of both appeared to be of McElmo-style construction. Excavation inside Structure 131 continued through natural, postabandonment sediment mixed with wall fall and collapsed but unburned roof sediments before a masonry-lined bench was exposed. The exposed portion of the masonry upper lining wall of Structure 131 appeared to be of McElmo-style construction, and preliminary analysis of pottery collected from fill no more than 5 cm above the bench indicates an occupation dating from the late Pueblo II or early Pueblo III period.

In 2004, we will expand our excavations to the south of the second test pit in an effort to determine if the lining wall and bench exposed in 2003 really are associated with the presumed second "pit structure" (Structure 131) or are instead part of Structure 112.

Structure 113

Structure 113 is a pit structure located in the north-central portion of the great house (Figure 6). Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m unit during the 2001 field season; excavation of this unit was completed in 2002 (Ryan 2003*1). A sandstone slab deflector and the hearth—both slightly oversize—were exposed in the central portion of the unit. The size of the deflector and hearth indicates that Structure 113 may have been larger than other pit structures tested at Albert Porter Pueblo. In 2003, excavation in this structure was expanded because of its inferred larger size and its proximity to structures that are believed to be part of the original construction in the great house (located directly west of Structure 113). A 1-x-2-m unit placed south of the existing 2-x-2-m unit exposed the southern recess and a small section of floor. The visible masonry was primarily McElmo-style in construction, but some sections incorporated smaller, less blocky stones (this latter style of construction seems to have been widely used in the Mesa Verde region during the A.D. 1100s). An above-floor ventilation system was also exposed in Structure 113. Pottery collected from the floor and from roof sediments suggests that Structure 113 dates from the Pueblo III period.

Structure 115 and Nonstructure 139

Structure 115 is a pit structure located in the northeastern portion of the great house (Figure 6). Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m unit during the 2001 field season. As excavation continued, undisturbed native sediment was exposed in the southern portion of the unit, indicating that the unit overlapped the southwestern edge of the structure. A thick deposit of secondary refuse (Nonstructure 139) was found above roof-fall sediments. Wood collected from this refuse during the 2001 field season produced a noncutting date of A.D. 1238vv (Table 3). In 2002, a masonry bench was discovered. The basal course rested on the plastered structure floor, which was located at the interface between undisturbed native sediment and overlying structure fill. Only four courses of masonry were present, indicating that the majority of the bench-face masonry had been removed before the roof was dismantled. Collapsed roof sediments were in direct contact with the floor; it appears that the primary and secondary beams had been removed, probably for reuse elsewhere. Because of the location of Structure 115 within the great house, a 1-x-2-m test unit was placed east of the original 2-x-2-m test unit during the 2003 field season. This unit was placed to further expose the bench and to locate the ventilation system. The surface of the southern recess was identified as a prepared adobe surface in the south profile of the test unit, and an above-floor ventilation system was present in the south-central portion of the unit. It is unknown if any artifacts rested on the southern recess bench surface. Artifacts found on the floor include a broken corrugated gray pot, a broken late white ware vessel, various stone items, and unfired clay. These artifacts appeared to be de facto refuse. Pottery analysis and tree-ring dates indicate that Structure 115 dates from the Pueblo III period.

Structure 116

Structure 116 is a pit structure located south of a detached roomblock in the southeastern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2). Naturally deposited, postabandonment fill was excavated to a depth of approximately 63 cm before the end of the 2002 field season. During the 2003 field season, the 2-x-2-m unit was excavated through unburned roof sediments to the structure floor. Undisturbed native sediments were exposed in the eastern portion of the test unit, allowing us to identify the edge of the pit excavated prehistorically for the construction of Structure 116. Because the undisturbed native sediment extended across approximately one-third of the 2-x-2-m unit, the size of the unit was not reduced to 1-x-2 m. Continued excavation exposed the southeastern portion of the structure, including the southern recess, a portion of a pilaster, an aboveground ventilation system, part of the structure floor, and a portion of a circular hearth. The visible bench masonry appeared to be of McElmo-style construction. Several courses of the pilaster and some of the bench-face masonry were missing, suggesting that building stones were removed from Structure 116 after the structure was no longer occupied. This masonry may have been salvaged for reuse in construction elsewhere at the site. The eastern one-third of the hearth was exposed in the northwestern portion of the 2-x-2-m test unit. The portion of the hearth exposed within the test unit was excavated, and approximately 375 ml of ash were collected for flotation analysis. A portion of a Mancos Black-on-white ladle was found in direct contact with the floor next to the southern recess, suggesting that Structure 116 dates from the late Pueblo II and/or early Pueblo III periods.

Structure 117 and Nonstructure 132

Structure 117 is a pit structure located south of a detached roomblock in the southeastern portion of the great house (Figure 6). Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. The uppermost stratum consisted of a 95-cm-thick layer of naturally deposited fill; below that was a layer of midden, designated Nonstructure 132. By the end of the 2002 season, we had excavated through the midden and exposed the top of an unburned roof-fall stratum (at an approximate depth of 120 cm below the modern ground surface). In 2003, the test unit was divided into one 1-x-2-m unit and two .50-x-.50-m units. The 1-x-2-m unit (located in what was the center of the original 2-x-2-m unit) was excavated through unburned, collapsed roof sediments to the structure floor. It appears that the primary and secondary roof beams had been salvaged from Structure 117; however, small bits of wood were present and collected as tree-ring samples. The presence of secondary refuse above roof fall in this structure indicates that residents continued to live in nearby parts of the pueblo after Structure 117 was no longer occupied.

Underlying the collapsed roof sediments was the structure floor. A portion of a circular hearth was exposed in the southwestern corner of the 1-x-2-m unit. The eastern half of the hearth was excavated "full cut." Twelve liters of ash were collected for flotation analysis, and an additional 3 liters of ash were screened through 1/8-in mesh. Animal bone, gizzard stones, and pottery were collected from the screened ash. A broken McElmo Black-on-white olla was in contact with the floor directly east of the hearth; portions of the shattered vessel were found on top of the hearth ash as well. An assessment of when this structure was built awaits the results of tree-ring analysis, but preliminary analysis of the McElmo Black-on-white olla on the structure floor and pottery collected from roof sediments suggests that Structure 117 dates from the early to middle Pueblo III period.

Arbitrary Unit 120

Excavation in Arbitrary Unit 120, located in the southeastern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2), began in a 1-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. This unit was placed perpendicular to the roomblock and positioned to expose the exterior face of the north wall of the roomblock. Naturally deposited fill was excavated to a depth of approximately 35 cm by the end of the field season. A 1-m-long section of the exterior face of the wall was exposed in the southern portion of the test unit. The three preserved courses of masonry appeared to be of McElmo-style construction. Excavation did not continue in 2003 but will resume during the 2004 field season.

Arbitrary Unit 121 and Structure 137

Excavation in Arbitrary Unit 121, located in the northeastern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2), began in a 1-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. This unit was placed perpendicular to the roomblock and positioned to expose the exterior face of the north wall of the roomblock. Natural and cultural deposits were excavated to a depth of approximately 66 cm before the end of the field season. A portion of the exterior face of the north wall of the roomblock was exposed in the southern portion of the 1-x-2-m unit, but this wall face was partly obscured by a masonry room that had been added to the roomblock sometime after the original construction. The walls were constructed on cultural fill associated with the underlying pit structure (Structure 137), and the horizontal plane that corresponded to the base of the walls was designated Surface 1. The northwest corner of the added-on room, which was not assigned a structure number, extended into the southeastern portion of the 1-x-2-m unit. The coursing of both the north wall of the roomblock and the northwest corner of the room appeared to be characteristic of McElmo-style construction. Excavation continued below the level of the masonry during the 2003 field season. Undisturbed native sediment was exposed in the northern one-third of the test unit, and the plane of contact between it and the overlying deposits was designated Surface 2. Also visible at this depth was a large, presumed circular, earthen pit structure (Structure 137) that had been prehistorically excavated into undisturbed native sediment. The fill within the pit contained abundant burned roof sediments, including burned wood and burned adobe. Several pieces of wood were collected for tree-ring analysis. We stopped excavating before the floor of Structure 137 was reached, but an auger hole placed within the pit suggested that fill continued another 23 cm below the limit of excavation. An assessment of when this structure was built awaits the results of tree-ring analysis, but preliminary analysis of pottery recovered from the roof sediments indicates that Structure 137 dates from the Pueblo III period. No further excavation is planned in this structure.

Arbitrary Unit 122, Nonstructure 123, and Structure 140

Excavation in Arbitrary Unit 122, located in the northwestern portion of what appears to be the original construction of the great house (Figure 2), began in a 1-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. This unit was positioned in the "corner" formed by the exterior face of the north wall of the main body of the roomblock and the exterior face of the east wall of Structure 140 (Figure 6). Natural, postabandonment fill and architectural debris were excavated to a depth of approximately 50 cm before secondary refuse, designated Nonstructure 123, was found. Two distinct strata of secondary refuse were observed. The pottery in the upper stratum consisted of Mancos Black-on-white, McElmo Black-on-white, and a significant quantity of Mesa Verde Black-on-white sherds. In contrast, the sherd assemblage from the lower stratum was dominated by Mancos Black-on-white. The Mancos Black-on-white sherds were first observed at approximately the same elevation as the foundation of the east wall of Structure 140. This type of pottery was also found below the level of the foundation, suggesting that the masonry had been laid on an occupational surface or prepared "platform" that dated from the Pueblo II period. Excavation in this unit continued through the midden deposit (Nonstructure 123) during the 2003 field season until undisturbed native sediment was reached; the plane of contact between this sediment and overlying fill was designated Surface 1. A small, circular pit, approximately 12 cm deep, had been prehistorically excavated from Surface 1 into the undisturbed native sediment. The entire feature was excavated "full cut." Charcoal flecks and small sandstone inclusions were present in the fill. One sherd was collected from the pit feature. The pit lacked distinguishing characteristics, and its function is unknown.

The two masonry walls exposed in the 1-x-2-m unit appear to be of different construction styles. The east-west wall, located in the southern portion of the unit, is the north wall of the Block 100 roomblock, and it is constructed of McElmo-style masonry. This wall is abutted in the southwest corner of the test unit by a north-south wall that looks distinctly different from other masonry walls exposed on the site to date. The lower courses of the exposed portion of this latter wall consist of relatively large, blocky sandstone rocks set in mortar with no chinking, similar to McElmo style, but the upper courses consist of thinner, elongated, tabular pieces of sandstone set in mortar with abundant chinking, similar to the masonry styles observed in Chaco Canyon (Lekson 1986*1). This construction technique—that is, the incorporation of distinct bands of masonry within a single wall—is called "banded" or "course-patterned" masonry, and in the Block 100 wall, it is clear that the exposed portion was built in a single construction event. On the modern ground surface, this same wall looks like it might be of thick, double-stone-with-core construction (see the glossary of architectural terms in the field manual), similar in some of its details to the "core-and-veneer" masonry long-regarded as a hallmark of Chacoan architecture. Our testing in 2002 and 2003 did not expose the wall cross section, however, so it is not possible to positively identify the construction technique.

Arbitrary Unit 124 and Nonstructure 133

Excavation in Arbitrary Unit 124, located in the northwestern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2), began in a 1-x-2-m unit during the 2003 field season. This unit was placed perpendicular to the roomblock and positioned to expose the exterior face of the north wall of the roomblock to determine if an abutment in the masonry existed. Naturally deposited, postabandonment fill and architectural debris were excavated to a depth of approximately 1.40 m before secondary-refuse deposits were found (designated Nonstructure 133). A layer of secondary refuse approximately 1 m thick was excavated before undisturbed native sediment (Surface 2) was reached. There were two distinct strata of secondary refuse—one that was deposited before the north masonry wall was constructed (the top of this stratum is Surface 1) and a second that was deposited after the north wall was constructed. The test unit exposed approximately 17 courses of masonry. The preserved courses of masonry appear to be of McElmo-style construction. The masonry wall exposed within the test unit had been constructed in one episode, contrary to what was initially expected. Three features—two possible postholes and one pit—had been excavated prehistorically into undisturbed native sediment. All three were located in the northeastern portion of the test unit. The postholes were excavated "full cut" to a depth of approximately 6 cm. No artifacts were recovered from these features, but all the sediment within them was collected for flotation analysis. Only a portion of the pit feature was exposed in the test unit. The pit was excavated "full cut"; 2 liters of fill were collected for flotation analysis, and approximately 1 liter of fill was screened through ¼-in mesh. White ware sherds, corrugated gray sherds, stone artifacts, burned adobe, and charcoal were collected from the screened fill. The feature lacked the distinguishing characteristics needed for us to assess its original function; however, after the pit was no longer used for its intended purpose, secondary refuse accumulated within it. Preliminary analysis of the pottery collected from Nonstructure 133 indicates that the section of roomblock wall exposed in the test unit had been constructed during the Pueblo II period.

Structure 125 and Nonstructure 138

Structure 125 is a surface room located in the north-central portion of the great house (Figure 2). During the 2003 field season, a 1-x-2-m test unit was placed in the northeastern portion of the room. Three distinct strata were detected within the test unit. The uppermost stratum was a mixture of natural, postabandonment sediments and structural collapse. The second stratum was collapsed roof sediments, composed primarily of clay, caliche, charcoal flecking, and small to moderate-size sandstone inclusions. No wood was found in the roof-fall stratum, which suggests that the beams had probably been removed from the roof after the structure was no longer occupied. The third distinct stratum was trash (designated Nonstructure 138) below the level of the masonry walls. This refuse may have been deposited during an occupation that predated Structure 125, or it may have been trashy construction fill that was intentionally placed for the purpose of preparing the ground surface before the walls of the room were built on it. Undisturbed native sediment was exposed directly below the cultural fill. Portions of the interior faces of the north and east walls were exposed during excavation (an approximately 2-m-long section of the former, a 1-m-long section of the latter). The east wall abutted the north wall, and both were of McElmo-style construction. It is assumed that a floor was part of the original construction, but it evidently did not preserve, as one was not discernible in the excavated portion of the room. Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 138 deposits located below the masonry walls indicates that Structure 125 was constructed during the late Pueblo II or early Pueblo III period.

Arbitrary Unit 127 and Nonstructure 134

Excavation in Arbitrary Unit 127, located in the north-central portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2), began in a 1-x-2-m unit during the 2003 field season. The unit was placed perpendicular to the roomblock and was positioned to expose the exterior face of the north wall of the roomblock in an area where it appeared that there might be a wall juncture or abutment. Natural, postabandonment fill and architectural debris were excavated to a depth of approximately 1 m before secondary-refuse deposits, designated Nonstructure 134, were found. The latter were approximately 90 cm thick and consisted of two distinct strata—one that overlay undisturbed native sediment and was deposited before the north wall of the roomblock was constructed, and a second that was deposited after the north wall was constructed. As we expected, the test unit exposed an abutment in the roomblock wall, in approximately the middle of the south edge of the unit. Two distinct construction episodes were evident. The wall to the west of the abutment was constructed first. The exposed portion of this wall is probably the northeastern corner of the original construction of the great house before any additions were constructed. The wall east of the abutment was added to the original construction after some time had passed; this is evidenced by an approximately 12-cm difference in elevation between the basal courses of the two walls (the basal course of the earlier wall corresponds in elevation to Surface 1, and the basal course of the later wall corresponds in elevation to Surface 2). Both walls were resting on trashy fill (Nonstructure 134), which may be secondary refuse discarded during an earlier occupation or may be trashy construction fill intentionally placed to prepare the ground surface before the walls were built. The visible masonry in both walls appeared to be of McElmo-style construction. Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from the cultural fill below the masonry walls indicates that two components are represented—one dating from the Basketmaker III/Pueblo I period(s) and the other from the middle to late Pueblo II period. The construction of the wall west of the abutment most likely occurred during the middle to late Pueblo II period.

Structure 128

Structure 128 is a surface room located in the central portion of the great house (Figure 2). This room may be associated with Structure 113, an oversize pit structure (see Structure 113 description above). During the 2003 field season, a 1-x-2-m test unit was placed in the southwestern portion of the room. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued approximately 1.80 m through natural, postabandonment sediments, wall fall, and cultural fill before excavations ceased for the 2003 field season. To date, 10 distinct surfaces have been recorded within the test unit, indicating that Structure 128 was occupied for a long time. A section of coursed masonry approximately 2 m long was visible in the west wall, and an approximately 1-m-long section was visible in the south wall, which abuts the west wall. Both walls are constructed of McElmo-style masonry. A sealed doorway was visible in the south wall of the room. A square section of missing courses in the west wall may be a collapsed doorway, may indicate where a beam was pulled from a socket, or may be evidence of remodeling. Preliminary analysis of pottery recovered from cultural fill and from surfaces within the unit indicates that Structure 128 dates from the late Pueblo II and early Pueblo III periods. Excavation will continue during the 2004 field season.

Structure 136 and Nonstructure 130

Structure 136 is a pit structure located in the northwestern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2). The structure was initially identified as a remote-sensing anomaly during the 2001 electrical-resistance survey (Ryan 2002*1). There is no evidence on the modern ground surface of a pit structure, nor are remnants of surface rooms visible directly north of the anomaly. Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m unit during the 2003 field season. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued through approximately 1.36 m of secondary refuse (designated Nonstructure 130) before burned roof deposits were discovered. A fire in the structure had charred the primary roof beams, and dozens of wood samples were collected for tree-ring analysis. Portions of an earthen upper lining wall, a masonry pilaster, and a coursed-masonry bench were exposed in the northeastern portion of the pit structure. Plaster was preserved on sections of the upper lining wall and bench. The visible masonry appeared to be of McElmo-style construction, but the stones and the mortar joints were smaller than those observed in other masonry exposed at Albert Porter Pueblo. Because exposed architecture was visible in only one-third of the 2-x-2-m unit, the unit was not divided into two 1-x-2-m units. Excavation continued below the bench through burned roof deposits until the structure floor was exposed (Surface 1). Surface 1 was a prepared adobe floor with an extensive de facto artifact assemblage. Artifacts found on the floor surface include a Tusayan Polychrome bowl with a McElmo Black-on-white ladle resting inside it; a second intact McElmo Black-on-white ladle; a smashed Mesa Verde Corrugated Gray jar; a handle fragment; a broken two-hand mano; and a Mesa Verde Black-on-white bowl with paint on both its interior and exterior surfaces. The Mesa Verde Black-on-white bowl was turned upside down over a coiled basket filled with cornmeal and a plaited basket filled with coarse-ground corn. The baskets had been charred in the structure fire, which contributed to their good state of preservation; the baskets had also been protected by the overturned bowl. The coiled basket was made from three-leaf sumac, or skunkbush, and was constructed with a three-rod pattern in which the stitch pierced the whole rod. The plaited basket may have functioned as a shallow bowl or corn sifter. It was made from yucca leaves and was constructed in a three-over, three-under pattern. The rim of the basket appears to be a self-selvage-with-cordage form. These baskets filled with corn may represent distinct stages in the corn-grinding process. An assessment of when this structure was built awaits the results of tree-ring analysis, but preliminary analysis of pottery from Surface 1 suggests that Structure 136 was occupied until the Pueblo III period.

A Summary of Chacoan Influence as Seen in Architectural Block 100

Excavations to date have revealed architectural evidence for Chacoan influence at Albert Porter Pueblo. Structure 108, a pit structure, has features often thought to be characteristic of Chacoan architecture, such as a floor vault and a subfloor ventilation system. Another "pit structure" (Structure 112), located in what we believe is the original core construction of the great house, was built aboveground and is blocked-in by a surrounding rectangular enclosing wall. Structure 112 possibly contains two benches (although one bench may signal the presence of an additional structure; see discussion of Structures 112, 126, and 131) and has a subfloor ventilation system. With the exception of multiple benches, all of the abovementioned characteristics are considered to have Chacoan origins. This portion of the great house appears to have been constructed in the late A.D. 1000s or early 1100s, which overlaps with the period of maximum Chacoan influence in the central Mesa Verde region.

A test unit excavated along an exterior wall on the north side of the great house revealed a masonry style that is very unusual for the Mesa Verde region. Two masonry walls were present in this unit. The east-west wall, located in the southern portion of the unit, is the north wall of the Block 100 roomblock, and it is constructed of McElmo-style masonry. This wall is abutted in the southwest corner of the test unit by a north-south wall that looks distinctly different from other masonry walls exposed on the site to date. The lower courses of the exposed portion of this latter wall consist of relatively large, blocky sandstone rocks set in mortar with no chinking, characteristic of McElmo-style masonry; the upper courses consist of thinner, elongated, tabular pieces of sandstone set in mortar with abundant chinking, similar to masonry styles observed in Chaco Canyon. This construction technique—that is, the incorporation of distinct bands of masonry within a given wall—is called "banded" or "course-patterned" masonry, and in the Block 100 wall, it is clear that the exposed portion was built in a single construction event. On the modern ground surface, this same wall looks like it might be of thick, double-stone-with-core construction (see the glossary of architectural terms in the on-line field manual). Although the wall does not exhibit all the characteristics of a classic Chacoan core-and-veneer masonry style, it does suggest Chacoan influence. Secondary-refuse deposits located below the foundation stones of this wall date from the middle to late Pueblo II period—the time when the Chaco regional system expanded north of the San Juan River.

For further discussion of Chaco and the Chaco regional system, refer to Doyel (1992*1), Kantner and Mahoney (2000*1), and Mills (2002*1).

Architectural Block 200

Structure 203

Structure 203, located in the southeastern portion of the site (Figure 2), was identified by the electrical-resistance survey. There is no surface signature of a pit structure or surface rooms north of the anomaly. A 2-x-2-m test unit was placed in the anomaly at the beginning of the 2003 field season. Natural deposits and cultural fill were excavated to a depth of approximately 24 cm before the end of the field season. Excavation in Structure 203 will continue during the 2004 field season.

Architectural Block 300

Structure 305

Excavation in Structure 305, located in the north-central portion of Architectural Block 300 (Figure 2), actually began in a 1-x-2-m unit designated Arbitrary Unit 305 during the 2002 field season. This unit had been positioned to expose what was originally believed to be the exterior face of the north wall of the roomblock. After excavation began, however, it became apparent that the unit was located in the interior southwest portion of a surface room. Therefore, in 2003, we changed the study unit designation from Arbitrary Unit 305 to Structure 305. The test unit exposed coursed masonry in the south and west walls of the room. The south wall abuts the west wall, and the coursing in both appears to be of McElmo-style construction. Natural, postabandonment sediment and wall fall were excavated to a depth of approximately 44 cm before a floor surface (Surface 2) was exposed. Surface 2 was the top of a layer of adobe that was approximately 8 to 10 cm thick. Several artifacts (de facto refuse) were in direct contact with Surface 2, including an axe, an olivella shell, and fragments of a McElmo Black-on-white bowl. Excavation continued below Surface 2 to Surface 1, which was defined as the horizontal plane that corresponded in elevation to the base of the structure walls. Below Surface 1 was a layer of cultural fill approximately 20 cm thick and consisting of a burned deposit that resembled roofing sediment. This deposit rested on undisturbed native sediment, and the plane of contact between the two was designated Surface 3. Four features—three postholes and a pit—were identified in Structure 305. The postholes originated at Surface 3 and extended down into undisturbed native sediment; they ranged in depth from 19 to 37 cm. Two of the postholes were located in the northwestern portion of the test unit, and one was located in the south-central portion of the unit. The postholes were excavated "full cut"; fill was collected for flotation analysis, and wood samples were collected for tree-ring analysis. The pit feature in Structure 305 was not observed in plan view but was detected in the west and north profile walls after excavation was completed. This basin-shaped pit originated at Surface 1 and was about 22 cm deep; its base had been excavated into undisturbed native sediment. Because it lacked distinguishing characteristics, its function is unknown.

Preliminary analysis of pottery recovered from Surface 2 indicates that Room 305 dates from the Pueblo III period. An assessment of when the postholes were constructed awaits the results of tree-ring analysis, but preliminary analysis of pottery collected from deposits below the level of the masonry wall indicates that an earlier occupation dates from the late Pueblo II and/or early Pueblo III period.

Architectural Block 400

Arbitrary Unit 405

Excavation in Arbitrary Unit 405, located in the north-central portion of Architectural Block 400 (Figure 2), began in a 1-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. This unit was oriented perpendicular to the roomblock and was placed to expose the exterior face of the north wall. Natural, postabandonment sediments and wall fall were excavated to a depth of approximately 50 cm before undisturbed native sediment was reached. A 2-m-long section of the exterior face of the north wall was exposed within the test unit. The four courses of masonry that were visible appeared to be of McElmo-style construction. The masonry wall was constructed directly on top of undisturbed native sediment. Tree-ring dates (Table 3) for two pit structures (Structures 402 and 403) located south of Arbitrary Unit 405 indicate that the buildings in Architectural Block 400 were constructed during the Pueblo III period.

Architectural Block 600

Structure 602

Structure 602 is a pit structure located in the northeastern portion of Architectural Block 600 (Figure 2). Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. Naturally deposited postabandonment fill was excavated to a depth of approximately 24 cm before the end of the 2002 field season. Excavation did not continue during the 2003 field season but will resume in 2004.

Architectural Block 800

Structure 803 and Nonstructure 804

Structure 803, located in the northeastern portion of Architectural Block 800 (Figure 2), was identified by the electrical-resistance survey. There is no surface indication of a pit structure, and there are no remnants of surface rooms visible on the modern ground surface north of the anomaly. A 2-x-2-m test unit was excavated in the anomaly during the 2003 field season. Natural, postabandonment fill was excavated to a depth of approximately 40 cm before secondary-refuse deposits (designated Nonstructure 804) were uncovered. Structure 803 apparently became a receptacle for household refuse when the structure was no longer used for its original purpose. In 2003, we continued excavating down for approximately 90 more cm, without reaching the base of the secondary-refuse deposit. Preliminary analysis of the pottery collected from Nonstructure 804 indicates that Structure 803 may date from the Pueblo II and/or Pueblo III period(s). Excavation will resume in 2004.

Architectural Block 900

Structure 903

Structure 903 is a pit structure located in the northeastern portion of Architectural Block 900 (Figure 2). Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. Natural, postabandonment fill was excavated to a depth of approximately 81 cm by the end of the season. In 2003, excavation continued through naturally deposited fill, collapsed wall debris, and unburned roof sediments. The test unit was divided into two 1-x-2-m units when roof-fall deposits were uncovered, and the south 1-x-2-m unit was excavated to the floor (Surface 1). Roof sediments rested directly on the structure floor. It appears that the primary and secondary roof beams had been removed when the roof was dismantled.

Portions of a coursed-masonry deflector, a masonry feature of unknown function, and a circular hearth were exposed in the test unit excavated in Structure 903. Only the north face of the deflector was exposed (in the southeastern corner of the 1-x-2-m unit). The top courses of the deflector were missing, but the remaining courses appeared to be of McElmo-style construction. The masonry feature of unknown function consisted of an arc-shaped arrangement of sandstone blocks located directly north of the deflector. Only the northern portion of this feature was exposed in the test unit. The west end of the exposed portion consisted of several stacked sandstone blocks; toward the east end, fewer and fewer blocks were stacked until the feature finally was reduced to a single course. No mortar was present between the blocks. The southern portion of a circular hearth was exposed in the northeastern portion of the 1-x-2-m unit. The hearth was excavated "full cut," and 6 liters of ash were collected for flotation analysis. One piece of burned wood was collected for tree-ring analysis. Preliminary analysis of pottery recovered from the roof sediments directly on the structure floor indicates that Structure 903 dates from the early Pueblo III period.

Structure 904

Structure 904 is a pit structure located in the north-central portion of Architectural Block 900 (Figure 2). Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. Naturally deposited, postabandonment fill was excavated to an approximate depth of 87 cm by the end of the 2002 field season. In 2003, excavation continued through natural fill, wall fall, and unburned roof sediment. The test unit was divided into two 1-x-2-m units when the roof-fall deposits were exposed, and the west 1-x-2-m unit was excavated to the floor (Surface 1). It appears that the primary and secondary roof beams had been removed from the structure when the roof was dismantled; the collapsed roof sediments rested directly on the structure floor. The western portion of an arc-shaped, masonry feature—similar to one documented in Structure 903—was exposed in the southeastern portion of the 1-x-2-m unit. A single course of six shaped sandstone blocks had been placed on the floor to form a semicircle east of the hearth; there was no mortar in the joints. The function of this feature is unknown. The eastern half of a circular hearth was exposed in the southwestern portion of the test unit. The hearth was excavated "full cut," and approximately 12 liters of ash were collected for flotation analysis. An additional 3 liters of ash were screened through 1/8-in mesh, but no artifacts were found. A small test "window" excavated in the north-central part of the exposed portion of Surface 1 revealed an earlier surface, designated Surface 2. Surface 2 consisted of prepared adobe, and it was the original floor of Structure 904; no artifacts were found on the small portion of the floor that was exposed. Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Surface 1 indicates that Structure 904 dates from the early to middle Pueblo III period.

Architectural Block 1000

Arbitrary Unit 1035

A swale extending from the southwestern Conservancy property line to the western boundary of Architectural Block 100 was observed on the modern ground surface at Albert Porter Pueblo. The swale is approximately 4 m wide and has a berm along its north edge. It was initially unclear whether this feature was a prehistoric construction or the result of historic activities; to investigate, in 2003 we excavated seven contiguous 1-x-2-m test pits oriented perpendicular to the depression. The units, designated Arbitrary Unit 1035 (see Figure 2), were excavated to varying depths (from 16 to 39 cm), depending on the location of each relative to the swale—units located inside the depression were excavated to undisturbed native sediment; those located outside were not. The sediments removed were natural in origin. Examination of the western profile created by the excavation of the units indicates that the swale is a historic feature created as a result of mechanical disturbance of some sort.

Structure 1037 and Nonstructure 1039

Structure 1037, located in the northeastern portion of the site (Figure 2), was identified during the electrical-resistance survey conducted in 2001 (Ryan 2002*1). There was no surface signature of a pit structure, nor were any remnants of surface room architecture observed north of the anomaly. A 2-x-2-m test unit was placed within the anomaly during the 2003 field season. Natural, postabandonment fill was excavated to a depth of approximately 35 cm before secondary-refuse deposits, designated Nonstructure 1039, were found. Partway through the excavation of these refuse deposits, portions of the north and east walls of Structure 1037 became visible. A section of coursed-masonry wall approximately 50 cm long was exposed in the northwestern portion of the test unit. Twenty-four courses of masonry were observed in the exposed section of the wall, which appeared to be of McElmo-style construction. The remaining interior walls visible in the test unit were earthen, consisting of undisturbed native sediment covered with plaster. Excavation continued down through approximately 1 m of midden deposits (also part of Nonstructure 1039), when unburned roof deposits were uncovered. The primary and secondary wood beams apparently had been removed from the roof after the structure was no longer used for its original purpose. Some secondary-refuse deposits were mixed with the roof sediments. Portions of a poorly preserved adobe floor (Surface 1) were exposed in the northwestern corner of the test unit. Surface 1 was visible only along the north and east structure walls; it was not discernible in the center of the test unit.

Below Surface 1 was a layer of trashy construction fill, which had been used to even out the undulations in the undisturbed native sediment below the structure, the result of the irregular excavation of the pit during prehistoric construction. A possible masonry-lined tunnel entrance was visible in an undercut portion of the northwest corner of the test pit, along the west profile wall. This possible entrance was not explored further. The absence of architectural features (for example, a hearth, a bench, an upper lining wall) in the portion of the structure that was excavated suggests that Structure 1037 might have been a subterranean work room (see Perkins 2002*1 for a discussion of subterranean rooms at Pueblo II and Pueblo III sites). This interpretation seems plausible if indeed a tunnel exists in the northwestern portion of the structure.

Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 1039 deposits indicates that Structure 1037 dates from the Pueblo II period. The presence of secondary refuse within the structure indicates that the immediate area around Structure 1037 continued to be occupied after Structure 1037 was no longer used for its original purpose.

Architectural Block 1100

Arbitrary Unit 1102 and Nonstructure 1103

Arbitrary Unit 1102 is the designation given to a 2-x-2-m test unit that was excavated in 2003 within one of the anomalies detected during the electrical-resistance survey of 2001 (Ryan 2002*1). The unit is located in the southeastern portion of the site (Figure 2) in an area where there was no evidence of a pit structure on the modern ground surface. Natural, postabandonment fill was excavated to a depth of approximately 20 cm before a mixture of secondary refuse and construction refuse deposits was discovered; these deposits were designated Nonstructure 1103. Approximately 6 cm into these midden deposits a possible human burial was identified when portions of a cranial vault and facial bones were uncovered. Excavation ceased, and the exposed bone was analyzed in situ. Analysis of the bones suggests that the individual represented by the remains was probably a 30- to 40-year old female. After the analysis was completed, the unit was backfilled. Because we stopped excavating, it is unknown whether a pit structure exists in this location, below the level of the burial. Two Mancos Black-on-white bowls that appeared to be associated with the remains (analyzed in the field and not collected) indicate that the burial and the surrounding refuse date from the Pueblo II period.

Structure 1104

Structure 1104, located in the southeastern portion of the site (Figure 2), was identified on the modern ground surface and by the electrical-resistance survey in 2001 (Ryan 2002*1). A slight, circular depression marks the pit structure location on the ground surface, and a sandstone rubble scatter is visible north of the depression. Excavation began in a 2-x-2-m test unit during the 2003 field season. Natural, postabandonment fill and cultural fill were excavated to a depth of approximately 60 cm before unburned roof sediments were uncovered. A possible human burial was exposed along the north profile wall directly above the roof sediment. The possible burial was identified when portions of four ribs and one vertebrae were uncovered. Excavation ceased in the north half of the test unit, and analysis of the bones was conducted in situ. The individual represented by the bones appears to have been an adult, approximately 35 to 45 years old; it was not possible to determine the sex. We covered the remains with clean fill, and the unit was divided into two 1-x-2-m units. We continued working in the south half of the unit without causing further disturbance to the remains. Excavation proceeded through approximately 1.20 m of unburned roof sediment and wall fall, below which a prepared adobe floor (Surface 1) was discovered. The primary and secondary beams evidently had been removed from the roof after the structure was no longer occupied. The collapsed roof sediments were in direct contact with Surface 1. A deflector consisting of a single upright slab was exposed in the east-central portion of the 1-x-2-m unit. Three smaller sandstone slabs had been set vertically into Surface 1 to anchor the slab deflector during construction; the three slabs also extended slightly above the level of the floor. No artifacts were present on the exposed portion of the structure floor. A small test "window" was excavated in the southwestern portion of the 1-x-2-m unit in an effort to determine if an earlier floor was present, but none was found (the test window exposed bedrock), indicating that Structure 1104 did not have a long use life. Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from the roof sediments above the structure floor indicates that Structure 1104 dates from the Pueblo III period.

Summary of Work Completed to Date

Status of Excavations

In the first three years of field excavation, Crow Canyon archaeologists and program participants test excavated 23 pit structures, 11 middens, three surface rooms, and one historic feature (which, before testing, was thought to perhaps be a prehistoric road). In addition, eight test units were excavated along the exterior faces of north walls of multiple roomblocks, artifacts were collected from 84 surface-collection units, and auger holes were placed in 36 remote-sensing anomalies. All of this work was accomplished within the context of Crow Canyon's public education programs—in 2003 alone, 488 individuals enrolled in various programs participated in the excavation at Albert Porter Pueblo.

Chronology

Research at Albert Porter Pueblo has provided evidence of discontinuous occupation from the Basketmaker III period through the early Pueblo II period (A.D. 500–1050) and a possibly continuous occupation from the late Pueblo II period through the Pueblo III period (A.D. 1050–1300). The pueblo may have been abandoned in the A.D. 900s. On the basis of pottery data, it appears likely that Albert Porter Pueblo was reoccupied during the Chaco era (ca. A.D. 1050–1150), but that occupation seems to have been less intense during this period than we originally expected. It is unclear to what extent the site was used during the A.D. 1150–1180 period, but the pottery data generated to date indicate that the site was at least occupied during this time. Contrary to our initial expectations, settlement at Albert Porter Pueblo persisted and grew throughout the late A.D. 1100s and into the A.D. 1200s. Dates received from tree-ring and archaeomagnetic analysis will further refine our understanding of the chronology at Albert Porter Pueblo. These data will help us identify the various periods of occupation, document population growth and/or decline over time, and reconstruct the emergence and role of Albert Porter Pueblo as a community center. On a broader scale, refining the chronology of the site will also allow us to address regional settlement patterns, the movement of people across the landscape through time, and the depopulation of the region as a whole during the late A.D. 1200s.

Research Field Personnel, 2003 Field Season

Education Staff Personnel, 2003 Field Season

   Margie Connolly
   Elaine Davis
   Paul Ermigiotti
   Shaine Gans
   Rebecca Hammond
   Josh Munson
   Sean Steele
   Meg Hoover (intern)
   Ginger Johnson (intern)
   Jenny Monroe (intern)
   Liz Schultz (intern)

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