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Annual Report, 2004 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 during excavations conducted by the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center indicate that the site was inhabited as early as the Basketmaker III (A.D. 500–750) and Pueblo I (A.D. 750–900) periods, but that the most intensive occupation dates from the Pueblo II (A.D. 900–1150) and Pueblo III (A.D. 1150–1300) periods. The remains of a Chaco-era great house and the presence of both Pueblo II and Pueblo III pottery 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 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, 2004*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 was completed at the end of the 2004 field season.
Permits and Reporting
Fieldwork in 2004 was conducted with the permission of The Archaeological Conservancy, under State of Colorado Archaeological Permit Number 2004-12. This interim report summarizes Crow Canyon's accomplishments at Albert Porter Pueblo during this season; for a detailed summary of work conducted from 2001 through 2003, see Ryan (2002*1, 2003*1, 2004*1). Upon completion of all 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 were generated as we tested 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. During 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). 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 this 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). In this report, I refer to the dominant building complex in Architectural Block 100 at Albert Porter Pueblo as the "great house" because 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 11 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 online field manual. As specified in our research design, less than 1 percent of Albert Porter Pueblo was disturbed through excavation, leaving the majority of the site intact for future study. Research at Albert Porter Pueblo focused 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 were 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 helped 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 were 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 would be representative of the diversity of the site assemblage as a whole (and not a function of sample size), our midden sampling strategy called 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 were excavated (5 to 10 percent of the total area), and in middens larger than 200 m², 15 units were excavated (with the goal of testing approximately 5 percent of the total area). In middens smaller than 100 m², enough units were excavated to account for 10 percent of the total area.
Pit Structure Testing
The excavation strategy for pit structures at Albert Porter Pueblo called for the excavation of a 2-x-2-m unit down to the level of collapsed roof sediment in selected structures. Once roof deposits were uncovered, the size of the test pit was reduced to 1-x-2 m, and excavation continued to the floor of the structure, with the goal of exposing the hearth. This strategy was designed to ensure that we would collect the kinds of information needed to address four critical areas of research. First, the collection of tree-ring samples was seen as 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 was to retrieve burned wood, primarily from roof-fall deposits, in order to obtain 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 at Albert Porter were carefully placed to take advantage of this predictability. Third, test excavations in pit structures were undertaken to provide information on construction techniques and styles—information that we hoped would 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 was therefore important for us to identify the architectural style of this building as either Mesa Verde or Chacoan. Key architectural features that 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 was important for us 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
Ten 1-x-2-m units were excavated to expose the exterior faces of the north walls of selected masonry roomblocks. The purpose of these excavations was 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 were 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 allowed us to determine whether footer trenches were present (indicating a planned layout) and whether the walls rested on undisturbed native sediment or on earlier cultural deposits. Pottery recovered from cultural deposits beneath wall foundations helped us specify the chronological relationship between the earlier occupation and the masonry roomblock, which in turn helped us better understand the occupational history of the pueblo.
Testing of Surface Rooms in Roomblocks
By the end of Crow Canyon's four-year field investigation, 10 rooms had been tested within the great house (in Architectural Block 100). Specifically, the strategy called for the excavation of 1-x-2-m test units in rooms that we suspected might have served special functions and/or that appeared to have been built during different periods. Each test unit was located adjacent to a room wall, allowing us to observe construction details, record evidence of remodeling, and 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 1984*1). The great house has between 50 and 75 rooms, so these test units sampled 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 2004 Field Season
The 2004 season was Crow Canyon's fourth and final year of field investigations at Albert Porter Pueblo. Our research objectives for the 2004 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 test previously unsampled midden areas at the site; (3) to test selected remote-sensing anomalies identified by the electrical-resistance survey; (4) to test 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 2004 field season was conducted by Crow Canyon staff, with the assistance of student and adult participants in the Center's research and education programs. Excavation focused on six of the 11 defined architectural blocks: Blocks 100, 200, 600, 800, 1000, and 1100. Table 2 lists each excavation unit by block and provides information on average depth and on the presence of features and structures.
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 or burned beams in roof-fall deposits, tree-ring dates (yielded by samples collected in 2001; see Table 3), archaeomagnetic dating (see Table 4), and pottery data (following Wilson and Blinman 1991*1).
Architectural Block 100
Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2) consists primarily of a large, distinctive building complex that I refer to as the "great house" (Figure 6). 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) suggested that the dominant architectural complex in Architectural Block 100 might be a Chaco-era great house, more data were needed to either support or refute such an interpretation. Therefore, one of Crow Canyon's goals in 2004 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 2004, 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
Nonstructure 101 is a midden located in the southeastern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2). The deposits in this area are presumed to be associated with three pit structures to the north—Structures 116, 117, and 150. Because Nonstructure 101 is located downslope from these structures, it is likely that sediment and artifacts washed downhill from where they originally were deposited and collected in this area. In 2004, five contiguous 1-x-1-m units were excavated in Nonstructure 101 to test a possible north-south footpath identified by the electrical-resistance survey, but no evidence of a path was visible in any of the excavated units.
Four features were discovered in Nonstructure 101 during the 2004 field season. One consisted of a human remains occurrence, and a second consisted of the burial pit in which the remains were found. This burial was identified in a 1-x-1-m unit (location omitted) when portions of a cranium and one middle phalange were exposed in an oval-shaped pit. Excavation ceased, and the bone was analyzed in situ. On the basis of field observation, it appears that this individual was a child of about 8 years, +/-24 months. No pathologies were noted on the exposed portions of the cranium, dentition, or middle phalange. After the bones were analyzed, the unit was backfilled.
The two remaining features—both human remains occurrences—also probably represent intentional burials. One was identified when a complete right femur was exposed along the south profile of a 1-x-1-m test unit (location omitted). This individual was probably between 2 and 4 years of age; no pathologies were noted. The remaining feature was identified when portions of a left tibia, portions of a left fibula, portions of a left femur, and a left trapezium were exposed in the west profile of a 1-x-1-m test unit (location omitted). These remains appeared to be of an adult, 30 to 45 years of age, sex unknown (no definitive sex characteristics were observable). The bones of this individual exhibited evidence of mild to moderate degenerative joint disease in the form of small deposits of bone on the articular margins of the left distal femur and trapezium. No other pathologies were evident. In the case of both these features, excavation ceased when the bones were discovered, and the remains were analyzed in situ. After the analyses were completed, the units were backfilled.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 101 indicates that the secondary refuse in this area was deposited during the Pueblo II and Pueblo III periods.
Nonstructure 104
During the 2004 field season, 14 1-x-1-m units were excavated to test Nonstructure 104, a midden deposit located in the southwestern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2). Deposits from Nonstructure 104 are presumed to be associated with two known structures to the north (Structures 109 and 136) and with four remote-sensing anomalies. Excavation in all the units was completed by the end of the 2004 field season. No features or structures were identified in the test units.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 104 indicates that the refuse in this area was deposited during the Pueblo II and Pueblo III periods.
Nonstructure 105
During the 2004 field season, five 1-x-1-m units were excavated to test Nonstructure 105, a shallow midden located in the northwestern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2). Deposits from Nonstructure 105 are presumed to be associated with the occupation of the great house. Excavation in all the test units was completed in 2004. No features or structures were identified. The midden deposits were extremely shallow and may have washed down from surrounding areas of higher elevation.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 105 indicates that the refuse was originally deposited during the Pueblo III period.
Structures 112 and 126
Structure 112 is a pit structure located in the northwestern portion of the great house; Structure 126 is the rectangular wall that encloses it (Figure 6). Structure 112 is the only known aboveground, blocked-in "pit structure" at Albert Porter Pueblo, and it is believed to be part of the original construction of the great house. Excavation in Structure 112 began in 2002 in a 2-x-2-m unit in the south half of the structure; 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. A pilaster and portions of a masonry bench, upper lining wall, hearth, and subfloor ventilation system were exposed. Fragments of wood lintels were collected from the subfloor ventilation system for tree-ring analysis, but the results had not yet been received as of this writing. Approximately 12 liters of ash were collected from the hearth for flotation analysis.
Also in 2003, a second, noncontiguous, 1-x-2-m unit was excavated north and west of the original test unit; see discussion of Structures 112, 126, and 131 in Ryan (2004*1). This unit exposed the northwestern corner of Structure 126, the square enclosing wall of Structure 112, as well as portions of an upper lining wall and an upper bench. At the time, it was unclear if the lining wall and bench were part of Structure 112 or if they were associated with an earlier, larger pit structure surrounding Structure 112. Until a final determination could be made, a third structure number—131—was tentatively assigned. The Archaeological Conservancy granted Crow Canyon permission to excavate the west half of Structure 112, so that the number of structures present and the relationships between them could be better understood.
Excavation of the west half of Structure 112 and of the adjacent portion of Structure 126 (the square enclosing wall) began in the spring of 2004. The units (Segments 1, 2, 3 and 4) were excavated from the modern ground surface into natural, postabandonment sediments and unburned roof deposits, all the way to the pit structure floor (Surface 1). Two cores rested on the floor surface. Two benches, four pilasters, the southern recess bench, sections of the upper lining wall, the entire subfloor ventilation system, a majority of the hearth, and a niche (located in the southern recess bench) were excavated in Structure 112, and a portion of the enclosing wall was exposed. Approximately 12 liters of ash were collected from the northwestern portion of the hearth for flotation analysis, and 9 more liters were screened through 1/8-in mesh (these samples are in addition to those collected in 2003). Archaeomagnetic samples were collected from the adobe hearth collar for dating.
The results of the archaeomagnetic analysis indicate that Structure 112 was last used between A.D. 1160 and 1290, most likely during the first half of the thirteenth century (Table 4). This date range corresponds to the date ranges of pottery collected from the roof-fall deposits, which indicate that Structure 112 was occupied into the mid-thirteenth century (the Pueblo III period). An auger was used to bore two small holes through the floor in an effort to determine if Structure 112 had been constructed on undisturbed native sediment or on cultural fill. The results of auger testing indicated that an earlier prepared adobe floor surface (Surface 2) existed below Surface 1 and that the earlier surface was resting directly on undisturbed native sediment. The rooms directly north of Structure 112 (Structures 140, 141, and 142) rest on a platform of secondary refuse that dates to the Pueblo II period. Because these rooms and Structure 112 were constructed at the same time (as evidenced by tied wall construction), it can be assumed that Structure 112 was also constructed during the Pueblo II period.
All the exposed masonry in Structures 112 and 126 appeared to be of McElmo-style construction, although the pilasters were shorter and "squatter" than most pilasters documented in the central Mesa Verde region. The aboveground, blocked-in construction of Structure 112, its position within the original construction of the great house, its subfloor ventilation system, the inference that the structure has eight pilasters, the presence of two masonry benches, and the preliminary date of construction suggest Chacoan influence.
Arbitrary Unit 120, Structure 183, and Structure 184
Excavation in Arbitrary Unit 120, located in the eastern portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2), began in a 1-x-2-m unit during the 2002 field season. The unit was placed perpendicular to the roomblock and positioned to expose the exterior face of the north wall of the roomblock. Natural and cultural fill were excavated to a depth of approximately 35 cm by the end of the 2002 field season. Three courses of masonry exposed in the south profile of the test unit appear to be foundation stones of a surface room, designated Structure 184. The masonry is of McElmo-style construction.
During the 2004 field season, the unit was mapped and an auger hole was bored to a depth of approximately 85 cm before the auger struck a rock, which prohibited further testing. The fill extracted by the auger was cultural and appeared to consist of structural deposits (exact type unclear). The depth of the structure fill indicates that the roomblock had been constructed over an earlier pit structure, designated Structure 183.
The types of pottery recovered from the fill of the arbitrary unit indicate that the roomblock was occupied into the Pueblo III period.
Structure 128 and Nonstructure 165
Structure 128 is a surface room located in the central portion of the great house (Figure 6). This room may be associated with Structure 113, an oversize pit structure to the northeast (see Ryan 2004*1). During the 2003 field season, a 1-x-2-m test unit was placed in the southwest corner of the room. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued approximately 1.80 m through natural sediments, wall fall, and cultural fill before excavations ceased for the 2003 field season. Two surfaces were recorded for Structure 128—one was a prepared adobe floor (Surface 1), and the second was an ephemeral surface on which the foundation stones of the south wall were constructed (Surface 2). Cultural fill (Nonstructure 165) was present directly below Structure 128.
Excavation continued through approximately 79 cm of cultural and natural fill during the 2004 field season. We stopped excavating because a test unit in a surface room to the north (see Structure 148 description, below) exposed the northern portion of an earlier structure, designated Structure 160. This pit structure would have been exposed below Structure 128 had excavation continued in the test unit.
The test unit excavated in Structure 128 exposed portions of the west and south walls of the room. The south wall abuts the west wall, and both are of McElmo-style construction. An abutment in what is inferred to be the center of the west wall marks what originally was an exterior corner of an adjacent surface room (see Figure 6). It appears that two "tie-stones" observed in the east face of this corner were used to anchor a wall that was later abutted to the original construction and which formed the south half of the west wall of Structure 128.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from the fill below the floor of Structure 128 indicates that this room was constructed during the late Pueblo II/early Pueblo III periods. The types of pottery recovered from the fill above the floor indicates that occupation continued into the Pueblo III period.
Structure 140 and Nonstructure 157
Structure 140 is a surface room located in the northwestern portion of what appears to be the original construction of the great house (Figure 6). During the 2004 field season, a 1-x-2-m unit was placed in the southeast corner of the room. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued through natural and cultural fill and unburned roof sediments before a prepared adobe floor was found at a depth of approximately 1.38 m. The floor was approximately 3 cm thick, and it rested on a prepared platform of secondary refuse, designated Nonstructure 157. No artifacts were found on the portion of the floor that was exposed. Excavation continued below the floor, through the layer of secondary refuse, until undisturbed native sediment was reached. One feature, a posthole, had been excavated into the undisturbed native sediment before Structure 140 was constructed. A small amount of preserved wood remained in the hole and was collected for tree-ring dating analysis.
The east wall of Structure 140 was abutted to the south wall; both are of McElmo-style construction. A rectangular niche built into the south wall was excavated, and one chert flake was collected.
The types of pottery collected from Nonstructure 157 indicate that Structure 140 was constructed during the Pueblo II period. Analysis of pottery collected from the fill of Structure 140 indicates that the room was occupied into the Pueblo III period.
Structure 141 and Nonstructure 154
Structure 141 is a surface room located in the northwestern portion of what appears to be the original construction of the great house (Figure 6). During the 2004 field season, a 1-x-2-m unit was placed in the northwest corner of the room. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued through natural and cultural fill and unburned roof sediments before a prepared adobe floor was found at a depth of approximately 1.90 m. The floor was approximately 2 cm thick, and it rested on a prepared platform of secondary refuse, designated Nonstructure 154. It is unknown if there were any artifacts on the surface, because the surface was detected only in profile, after it had been removed through excavation. Below the floor, Nonstructure 154 deposits were excavated to the depth of undisturbed native sediment. One feature, a posthole, had been excavated into the undisturbed native sediment before Structure 141 was built. No wood was found in the posthole.
The west wall contains a possible "T-shaped" doorway, but not enough of the feature was exposed for us to confirm this. The north and west walls of Structure 141 were tied, indicating that they were built as a unit, and both walls are of McElmo-style construction.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from below the floor of Structure 141 indicates that this room was constructed during the Pueblo II period. Analysis of pottery collected from the fill above the floor indicates that the room was occupied into the Pueblo III period.
Structure 142, Nonstructure 152, and Nonstructure 161
Structure 142 is a surface room located in the north-central portion of what appears to be the original construction of the great house (Figure 6). During the 2004 field season, a 1-x-2-m unit was placed in the southwest corner of the room. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued through approximately 35 cm of natural sediments and architectural collapse, at which depth a secondary refuse deposit—designated Nonstructure 152—was discovered. Excavation continued in Nonstructure 152 deposits for approximately 1.32 m before a prepared adobe floor was found. The floor was approximately 2 cm thick and was poorly preserved. No artifacts were observed on the exposed portion of the floor. The surface rested directly on a prepared platform consisting of secondary refuse, designated Nonstructure 161. Excavation continued through Nonstructure 161 until undisturbed native sediment was reached. One feature, a pit, had been excavated into this sediment in the northwest corner of the test unit. Because the pit lacked distinguishing characteristics, its function is unknown. After it was no longer used for its original purpose, the pit filled with trash, part of the secondary refuse deposit designated Nonstructure 161.
The west and south walls of Structure 142 are of McElmo-style construction, and they are tied at their junction, indicating that they were built in a single construction episode.
Preliminary analysis of the pottery collected from Nonstructures 161 and 152 indicates that Structure 142 was constructed during the Pueblo II period and occupied into the early Pueblo III period. This structure is the only tested room in the original portion of the great house to have been filled with secondary refuse. The presence of refuse in the fill indicates that the room was abandoned earlier than were the surrounding rooms.
Structure 143, Structure 153, and Nonstructure 187
Structure 143 is a second-story room located directly east of Structure 112 in the northeastern portion of what appears to be the original construction of the great house (Figure 6). During the 2004 field season, a 1.6-x-1-m test unit was excavated in the west end of the room. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and was proceeding through natural fill and architectural collapse when, at a depth of approximately 1.40 m, three viga sockets were exposed in the masonry of the west wall. Two of the three sockets contained preserved wood, which was collected for tree-ring analysis. These sockets are the only clear evidence for multistory construction at Albert Porter Pueblo. The walls in the southwest corner of the room were heavily sooted, indicating that a firepit or some other thermal feature once existed in the room; however, the collapse of the floor of this upper-story room into the room below (Structure 153) made it impossible for excavators to recognize such a feature.
Excavation continued below the sockets into the first-story room, Structure 153. The upper part of the walls of this room are masonry; the lower portion, earthen, excavated below the prehistoric ground surface into undisturbed native sediment (Structure 153 was, in fact, built mostly underground). The basal course of the masonry portion of the walls rests on an earthen "bench," which had been carved into the native sediment that forms the lower portion of the walls. The fill in Structure 153 was composed of naturally deposited sediments, wall fall, the collapsed floor of Structure 143, and the collapsed roof of Structure 153. A prepared floor was found approximately 60 to 70 cm below the basal course of the masonry portion of the wall. This surface was about 2 cm thick, and it had been constructed directly on undisturbed native sediment. No artifacts were found on the exposed portion of the floor.
Two pit features that predated the construction of Structure 153 were observed in two walls of the test unit—one in the south profile and one in the north. A new study unit, Nonstructure 187, was designated to accommodate the two features. The pits lacked distinguishing characteristics, and their functions are unknown. After they fell out of use, they filled with a mixture of natural sediments and cultural deposits.
The south wall of Structure 153 abuts the west wall, indicating two separate construction events. There is a 10- to 15-cm difference in the elevation of the foundation stones between the west and south walls, which suggests that the construction of the south wall did not immediately follow the construction of the west wall. It is possible that the second-story room, Structure 143, was originally larger and that its existing south wall was a later addition, remodeling the room into a smaller space. The masonry of the west wall appears to be mostly of McElmo-style construction, but it also exhibits slight banding and includes both chinking and thinner, elongated blocks, all of which are characteristic of Chaco-style construction. The south wall is of McElmo-style construction.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from the fill of Structures 143 and 153 indicates that these rooms were used into the Pueblo III period. Tree-ring analysis of floor and roof beams may provide a date of construction for Structures 143 and 153.
Structure 144, Nonstructure 174, Nonstructure 175, Nonstructure 159, Structure 168, and Structure 176
Structure 144 is a surface room located just west of Structure 145 in the west-central portion of the great house (Figure 6). During the 2004 field season, a 1-x-2-m unit was excavated along the north wall of the room. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued through natural and cultural fill and unburned roof sediments. Approximately 1.20 m below the modern ground surface, a prepared adobe floor surface was exposed. This floor was approximately 3 cm thick, and it rested on secondary refuse, designated Nonstructure 174. No artifacts were found on the exposed portion of the floor. Excavation continued approximately 15 cm below the floor into the Nonstructure 174 deposits. A posthole that was not detected during excavation was visible in cross section in the south wall of the test unit. After the post was removed, the hole filled with the trash of Nonstructure 174.
Directly below Nonstructure 174 was a second distinct cultural deposit, Nonstructure 175. Nonstructure 175 is a thin surface identified only in the south profile; it was not detected during excavation. A firepit had been excavated from this surface into underlying cultural and natural deposits. Ash in the pit was collected for flotation analysis. It seems likely that the surface and firepit were once part of an extramural use area.
Excavation continued below Nonstructure 175 into a mixture of natural and cultural deposits, designated Nonstructure 159. Approximately 20 cm into Nonstructure 159, a slab-lined bin and two postholes were found in the eastern portion of the test unit. The vertical slabs of the bin had been set in undisturbed native sediment, and the interior of the feature was plastered with adobe. Ash in the bin contained numerous vegetal materials, including the remains of beans and corn. Ash was collected for flotation analysis, and a sample of beans was submitted for radiocarbon dating (the results were not available as of this writing). The two postholes contained remnants of charred wood, which were collected for tree-ring analysis. The slab-lined bin and the postholes appear to be part of a structure—designated Structure 168—that predates the construction of the great house, and their configuration suggest that they are in the western portion of the structure. Structure 168 continued below the east wall of Structure 144 (see discussion of Structure 145).
At approximately the same depth that the postholes and slab-lined bin of Structure 168 were discovered, the edge of yet another structure was found immediately to the west. This structure, designated Structure 176, is a pit structure that had been excavated into undisturbed native sediment. Excavation through natural fill and unburned roof sediments continued for approximately 60 cm before a prepared adobe floor surface was found. Two chert cores rested directly on the exposed portion of the surface. The floor was approximately 1 to 2 cm thick and had been constructed directly on undisturbed native sediment. The chronological relationship between Structures 168 and 176 is not clear.
The north wall of Structure 144 comprises two distinct elements: (1) the southwestern exterior corner of the enclosing wall of Structure 112 (see description of Structure 126, above) and (2) a masonry wall that abuts the corner of the enclosing wall (Figure 6). The east and west walls of the room abut the north wall but are tied to the south wall. These abutments and ties indicate that the east, west, and south walls of Structure 144 were built in a single construction episode after Structure 112 and the unnumbered room north of Structure 144 were built. There was an approximately 12-cm difference in elevation between the foundation stones of the Structure 112 enclosing wall (Structure 126) and the foundation stones of Structure 144, which indicates that the room was added well after the original great house was constructed. The masonry of the Structure 112 enclosing wall was relatively blocky and the faces of the individual stones were more finely finished compared with the masonry of the walls that abutted the enclosing wall to form Structure 144; the latter were constructed with irregular and less well shaped blocks. All the masonry walls were of McElmo-style construction.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from the fill of Structure 176 indicates that it was occupied into the Pueblo II period. The types of pottery collected from the fill of Structure 144 indicate that it was occupied into the Pueblo III period.
Structure 145, Nonstructure 171, Nonstructure 172, Nonstructure 169, Structure 168, Structure 170, and Nonstructure 175
Structure 145 is a surface room located just east of Structure 144 in the west-central portion of the great house (Figure 6). During the 2004 field season, a 1-x-2-m unit was excavated in the northwestern portion of the room. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued through natural and cultural fill and unburned roof sediments. At a depth of approximately 90 cm, the prepared adobe floor of the room was found. The floor was approximately 2 cm thick, and it was constructed on top of a layer of secondary refuse, designated Nonstructure 171. No artifacts were found on the exposed portion of the floor. Excavation continued below the floor into Nonstructure 171. A pit feature visible in the south profile was not detected during excavation. The feature lacked distinguishing characteristics, and its function is unknown. After the pit fell out of use, secondary refuse (Nonstructure 171) filled the depression, and the adobe floor of Structure 145 was constructed above it. It seems likely that this pit was associated with an extramural use surface that existed before Structure 145 was built. Approximately 15 cm below the top of the pit and 20 cm to the west, another feature, a posthole, was visible in the south profile of the test unit. This posthole, which had filled with cultural deposits and natural sediments, was associated with an even earlier extramural use surface, designated Nonstructure 172, Surface 1. Excavation continued below this feature into additional secondary refuse deposits, Nonstructure 169. It appears that Nonstructure 169 was the last cultural fill deposited before the construction of the great house.
Excavation continued below Nonstructure 169 into cultural fill associated with Structure 168. The eastern portion of a slab-lined bin (see discussion of Structure 168, above) was exposed in the western portion of the test unit. The vertical slab that formed the east end of the bin also formed the west side of an adjacent hearth associated with yet another structure, Structure 170. Ash was collected from the hearth for flotation analysis. A posthole, also associated with Structure 170, was visible in the north profile of the test unit. The posthole had been excavated into undisturbed native sediment, and after it fell out of use, it filled with cultural deposits and natural sediments. Excavation continued below Structure 170 into undisturbed native sediment. A bell-shaped cist (assigned to a new study unit, Nonstructure 175) exposed in the eastern portion of the test unit had been excavated into undisturbed native sediment. Although direct physical evidence is lacking, it is likely that the cist served as a storage container. After the cist fell out of use, it filled with cultural deposits and natural sediments.
The north wall of Structure 145 is the exterior face of the south wall of Structure 126, the enclosing wall of Structure 112. Two features, both pecked spiral petroglyphs, were observed near the top of the wall. The petroglyphs would have been visible to passersby until Structure 145 was built, at which time the once-exterior space was transformed into an interior space. The masonry of the north wall is of McElmo-style construction; the individual stones are blocky, and their faces are well finished. The west wall abuts the north wall. The west wall is of McElmo-style construction, but the stones are not as blocky or as well finished as those in the north wall. There is a 25- to 30-cm difference in elevation between the foundation stones of the two walls, indicating that a significant amount of time had elapsed between their construction.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from below the floor of Structure 145 indicates that it was constructed during the Pueblo II period. The types of pottery collected from the fill above the floor indicate that the room continued to be occupied into the Pueblo III period.
Structure 146 and Nonstructure 162
Structure 146 is a surface room in the central portion of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 6). It is associated with Structure 119, a masonry pit structure. During the 2004 field season, a 1-x-2-m unit was excavated in the northwestern portion of the room. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued through natural sediments, wall fall, and roof deposits. The collapsed roof sediments rested on a prepared adobe floor, designated Surface 1. This floor was approximately 2 cm thick, and it rested on an earlier prepared adobe floor, designated Surface 2. The earlier floor was also approximately 2 cm thick. No artifacts were found on the exposed portions of either Surface 1 or Surface 2. Excavation continued below both surfaces into secondary refuse deposits, designated Nonstructure 162. One feature, a firepit, was visible in the north profile of the test unit. The firepit was associated with an extramural use surface and had been excavated into secondary refuse and redeposited caliche. Ash was collected for flotation analysis. Excavation continued in Nonstructure 162 until undisturbed native sediment was reached.
The west wall of Structure 146 abutted the north wall. Because the foundation stones of both walls were at approximately the same elevation, it can be inferred that the two walls were built during the same construction event. Both walls were of McElmo-style construction, but the individual stones were smaller and less blocky than those in most masonry walls observed at Albert Porter Pueblo.
It seems likely that the secondary refuse (Nonstructure 162) below Structure 146 is associated with the occupation of Structure 113, a masonry-lined pit structure to the northwest. Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from these trash deposits indicates that Structure 146 was constructed during the late Pueblo II/early Pueblo III periods. The types of pottery collected from the fill of Structure 146 indicate that the room was occupied into the Pueblo III period.
Arbitrary Unit 147
Arbitrary Unit 147 is the designation given a 1-x-2-m test unit excavated adjacent to the exterior face of the south wall of an east-west row of rooms located south of Structure 108, a masonry-lined pit structure in the great house (Figure 6). During the 2004 field season, a portion of the roomblock wall was exposed, revealing it to be of McElmo-style construction. Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued through natural fill and wall fall. Below wall fall was a layer of adobe that had been placed against the masonry wall directly above the foundation stones. The adobe construction fill was approximately 12 to 14 cm thick, and it sloped downhill to the south. Although we can only speculate about the function of the adobe layer, it is possible that it was placed there to protect the foundation stones from water erosion or to serve as a ramp leading up to the great house. The foundation, which rested on cultural fill, consisted of approximately three courses of masonry; the stones were not as well shaped as those in the upper part of the wall. Excavation continued below the adobe construction fill and below the level of the foundation into a mixture of cultural and natural fill and redeposited caliche (construction refuse). Below this was undisturbed native sediment. A pit feature had been excavated into undisturbed native sediment in the eastern portion of the test unit. The pit lacked distinguishing characteristics, and its function is unknown. After the pit fell out of use, it filled with cultural deposits and natural sediments. This feature may have been associated with an extramural use surface prior to the construction of the roomblock.
Preliminary analysis of pottery found below the level of the foundation stones indicates that the south wall of the roomblock was constructed during the early Pueblo III period.
Structure 148, Nonstructure 164, Nonstructure 167, Structure 166, and Structure 160
Structure 148 is a surface room abutted to the east wall of the original construction of the great house (Figure 6). During the 2004 field season, a 1-x-2-m unit was excavated along the west wall of the room (which is also the exterior face of the east wall of the original roomblock). Excavation began on the modern ground surface and continued through natural sediments, wall fall, and unburned roof sediments. At a depth of approximately 1.5 m, a prepared adobe floor surface was exposed. A broken corrugated gray jar (Pueblo III) was found on the surface in the northeastern portion of the test unit. The floor was approximately 3 to 4 cm thick and had been constructed on redeposited caliche. Excavation continued below the construction fill into cultural deposits (Nonstructure 164). One feature, a firepit (assigned to a new study unit, Nonstructure 167), was exposed in the southern portion of the test unit. The firepit had been excavated into redeposited caliche (construction refuse) and contained ash from which a flotation sample was collected. It seems likely that the firepit was associated with an extramural surface that existed before Structure 148 was built.
Excavation of Nonstructure 164 continued below the feature until a layer of unburned roof sediment was uncovered. The collapsed roof material rested directly on undisturbed native sediment. Three postholes that had been excavated into undisturbed native sediment were identified at approximately the same depth. All these discoveries indicated the presence of a surface structure, designated Structure 166.
A large pit was exposed in the southern portion of the test unit. The pit, which had been excavated into undisturbed native sediment, truncated the southern exposed portion of the surface structure described above (Structure 166). As excavation continued, a masonry pilaster was exposed in the northern portion of the pit, indicating we were actually excavating in a pit structure, designated Structure 160. The pilaster was 35 cm high, and it rested on an earthen bench. Excavation continued into the roof sediments of Structure 160 until excavation was no longer possible due to a lack of room in the excavation unit.
The test unit exposed a portion of the west wall of Structure 148. In approximately the center of the exposed portion of the wall, an abutment visible only in the bottom seven courses marked the exterior corner of an earlier room to the west (see Figure 6). The abutment did not extend to the top of the wall, apparently because the upper courses of the wall of the earlier room were remodeled when another room was added to the south. The east wall of this added room formed the south end of the west wall of Structure 148. There is a slight difference in elevation between the foundation stones of the original wall and the foundation stones of the addition. The masonry both north and south of the abutment in the wall is of McElmo-style construction.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from below Structure 160 indicates that this pit structure was occupied during the Pueblo II period. The types of pottery collected from Structure 148 indicate that this surface room was occupied into the Pueblo III period.
Arbitrary Unit 149, Nonstructure 155, Structure 146, and Structure 173
During the 2004 field season, a 2.55-x-1-m unit, designated Arbitrary Unit 149, was excavated to expose the exterior face of the north wall of the east-west roomblock located south of Structure 113, a masonry-lined pit structure (Figure 6). However, instead of exposing a continuous wall face, excavation of this unit resulted in the discovery of the corners of two noncontiguous surface rooms (Structures 146 and 173). Excavation of Arbitrary Unit 149 began on the modern ground surface and continued through natural fill and wall fall. Below wall fall was a layer of secondary refuse, designated Nonstructure 155, and below that, undisturbed native sediment. The refuse most likely was generated by the residents of Structure 113. Two pit features had been excavated into the undisturbed native sediment. Their functions are unknown, but after they fell out of use, both filled with trash deposits associated with Nonstructure 155.
As mentioned above, we did not expose a continuous masonry wall along the south side of the test unit. Instead, the exterior corners of two masonry surface structures were discovered—one (the northwest corner of Structure 146) in the southeast portion of the test unit and the other (the northeast corner of Structure 173) in the southwest (Figure 6). The exposed masonry of both structures was of McElmo-style construction. The space between the rooms most likely served as an entrance to the courtyard of Structure 113. Structures 146 and 173 were built above the level of the secondary refuse described above, indicating that the area occupied by the roomblock was used for extramural activities before the rooms were built.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 155 indicates that the refuse was deposited during the late Pueblo II and early Pueblo III periods.
Structure 150 and Nonstructure 151
Structure 150 is a pit structure located in the east part of Architectural Block 100 between Structures 116 and 117 (Figure 6). The structure was initially identified as a remote-sensing anomaly during an electrical-resistance survey in 2001 (Ryan 2002*1). There is no surface signature of a pit structure, nor is there evidence of surface rooms directly north of the anomaly. In fact, the modern ground surface above Structure 150 was mounded up due to an accumulation of secondary refuse deposited (presumably) by the occupants of Structures 116 and 117. An auger test of the anomaly (Ryan 2002*1) revealed the presence of a burned, refuse-filled pit structure. During the 2004 field season, a 2-x-2-m unit was excavated in the southern portion of the structure. Excavation began on the modern ground surface. The uppermost deposit consisted of a 60-cm-thick layer of secondary refuse, designated Nonstructure 151. Below this, in the southern portion of the test unit, was a layer of burned roof fall. Roof fall sloped down to the north and contained numerous burned primary and secondary roof beams, which were collected for tree-ring analysis. Immediately under the roof deposits was a large, coursed-masonry pilaster. This pilaster was different from all others exposed at Albert Porter Pueblo: It was two to three times the size of the average pilaster, was constructed of extremely well shaped sandstone blocks, had chinking stones between the blocks, and contained five sockets in its west face. The horizontal sockets seated five wood beams that spanned the length of the bench, terminating in the south face of the pilaster to the north. (These features are similar to pilasters constructed in Kiva B at Lowry Pueblo, a Chacoan great house located approximately 12 km northwest of Albert Porter Pueblo. Paul Martin, the excavator of Kiva B, referred to these features as "shelves" [Martin 1936*1:42].) A portion of the masonry bench was exposed approximately 1 m below the top of the pilaster. The bench surface was plastered with adobe and was heavily sooted, the latter the result of the structure having burned at abandonment. No artifacts were present on this portion of the bench surface. Multiple layers of sooted plaster were present on the bench face and pilaster, suggesting that Structure 150 had a longer-than-average use life.
Below the burned roof sediments, a prepared adobe floor (Surface 1) was exposed. Several McElmo Black-on-white sherds, a broken corrugated gray jar, four one-hand manos, three two-hand manos, a metate, corn kernels and cobs, and more than 2 liters of amaranth seeds were found in direct contact with the floor. The amaranth seeds had "popped," indicating that they still had a relatively high moisture content when the structure burned and therefore had been harvested only shortly before that event. Amaranth seeds are typically harvested in early autumn, so their presence in this condition on the floor of Structure 150 suggests abandonment during that season. Amaranth seeds were also found on the partly exposed surface of the southern recess. It is possible that a vessel containing the seeds broke as the roof collapsed on it, dispersing the seeds over the southern recess and onto the floor below. The western edge of an above-floor ventilation opening was also exposed in the test unit, as was the western portion of a sandstone slab deflector. The base of the deflector had been set slightly below the floor.
After excavation was completed in the 2-x-2-m test unit, a decision was made to expand excavation in Structure 150 for four reasons:
- The dominate pottery type (McElmo Black-on-white) found on the floor of Structure 150 indicates that the structure fell out of use before A.D. 1180 (when Mesa Verde Black-on-white began being produced). This time corresponds to a period of drought in the central Mesa Verde region (Dean and Van West 2002*1), a period for which few well-dated structures are known.
- The large size and atypical architecture of Structure 150, as well as its inferred long use life, indicate that this structure may have served a special function within the community.
- The masonry of the exposed pilaster is suggestive of Chacoan influence.
- We wanted to expose the hearth so that we could collect ash samples for flotation analysis and archaeomagnetic samples that would allow us to estimate the date of last use for Structure 150.
In the autumn of 2004, we expanded the excavations in Structure 150 by adding three additional test units. Two 1-x-2-m units were added to the north and east of the original 2-x-2-m unit, and one 1-x-1-m unit was placed northeast of the 2-x-2-m to create a 3-x-3-m unit. The northern 1-x-2-m unit was excavated through Nonstructure 151 deposits and burned roof fall, all the way to the floor (Surface 1). Numerous items were found on the exposed portion of the floor, including burned corn cobs, corn kernels, and beans, as well as pieces of a corrugated gray jar and a white ware bowl. A circular hearth associated with this surface was located in the north-central portion of the 1-x-2-m unit. Ash was collected from its contents for flotation analysis, and archaeomagnetic samples were collected from its adobe collar. The floor on the western side of the test unit sloped significantly, which we later discovered was the result of slumping above a floor vault associated with an earlier surface.
A test "window" excavated through Surface 1 exposed two additional prepared floor surfaces (Surfaces 2 and 3). The original floor surface, Surface 3, had a floor vault excavated from it into bedrock. The rectangular vault was oriented southeast to northwest. Its east and west sides were constructed of masonry, and it had a large, upright sandstone slab near its southern end. The vault was lined with adobe. After the vault fell out of use, secondary refuse was deposited in the feature and it was sealed by Surface 2. Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from the sealed vault indicates that the vault and Surface 3 fell out of use during the late Pueblo II period. After an unknown amount of time, Surface 2 was plastered over by Surface 1. The presence of three floor surfaces suggests that Structure 150 had a unusually long use life.
The 1-x-2-m unit located east of the original 2-x-2-m unit and the 1-x-1-m unit located north of the 1-x-2-m unit were not excavated to the floor (Surface 1). Excavation in these units ceased after the west face of a pilaster was exposed on the east side of the southern recess. Like the first pilaster that was exposed, this one, too, had extremely well faced blocks, with chinking stones between them. In addition, this pilaster contained a square niche in its west face. The niche was empty at abandonment and had filled with burned roof deposits as the structure collapsed. Exposing the two southern-recess pilasters allowed us to estimate that Structure 150 was approximately 4.5 m in diameter, larger than most pit structures at Albert Porter Pueblo.
The results of archaeomagnetic analysis (Table 4) provided a date range of A.D. 1010–1165 for the last use of Structure 150 and indicate a strong likelihood that the structure was last used in the early twelfth century (approximately A.D. 1125). Preliminary analysis of pottery found in the floor vault associated with Surface 3 indicates that Structure 150 most likely was constructed during the Pueblo II period. It is hoped that tree-ring analysis will provide an absolute date for the construction of Structure 150.
Architectural Block 200
Structure 204 and Nonstructure 203
Structure 204, a pit structure located in the southeastern portion of the site (Figure 2), was identified by the electrical-resistance survey in 2001. There is no surface signature of a pit structure, nor are any remnants of surface rooms visible north of the anomaly. During the 2003 field season, a 2-x-2-m unit was excavated from the modern ground surface through approximately 24 cm of natural sediments and secondary refuse (the latter designated Nonstructure 203). During the 2004 field season, excavation continued in Nonstructure 203 deposits and through unburned roof deposits associated with Structure 204. A portion of a coursed-masonry bench (McElmo-style construction) was exposed along the west wall of the test unit, and a turkey bone awl was found on the bench surface. After the bench was exposed, the unit was divided into two 1-x-2-m units and the eastern 1-x-2-m unit was excavated to the floor (Surface 1). The prepared adobe floor surface was approximately 2 cm thick, and a few white ware sherds, two turkey bones, and a flake were in direct contact with it.
Surface 1 was constructed on an earlier floor surface (Surface 2). The results of auger testing indicated that Surface 2 was constructed on an approximately 10-cm-thick layer of cultural fill. Undisturbed native sediment was directly below the cultural fill.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Surface 1 indicates that Structure 204 was occupied until the early 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). During the 2002 field season, a 2-x-2-m unit was excavated from the modern ground surface through approximately 24 cm of natural fill. In 2004, excavation continued, first through natural fill, and then through unburned roof deposits associated with Structure 602. The north face of a coursed-masonry pilaster was exposed in the southwestern portion of the unit. This is the pilaster west of the southern recess. Approximately three courses of a masonry bench (McElmo-style construction) were exposed before the unit was divided into two 1-x-2-m units. The eastern 1-x-2-m unit was excavated to the floor. A coursed-masonry deflector and a circular hearth were exposed in the 1-x-2-m unit. Four two-hand manos were found on top of the hearth ash; they had been placed horizontally in an east-west alignment. A McElmo Black-on-white sherd, four corrugated gray sherds, and one ground-stone artifact were also found on top of the hearth, and ash was collected for flotation analysis. The prepared adobe floor surface was approximately 2 cm thick and had been constructed on undisturbed native sediment. Several sherds, both white ware and corrugated gray ware, were in contact with the floor surface, as were a mano covered with unfired clay, a small pile of crushed-sherd temper next to the north face of the deflector, and a smashed, unfired corrugated gray jar.
Preliminary analysis of the pottery collected from the floor and the hearth indicates that Structure 602 was occupied into the early Pueblo III period.
Architectural Block 800
Structure 803 and Nonstructure 804
Structure 803, a pit structure located in the northeastern portion of Architectural Block 800 (Figure 2), was identified during the electrical-resistance survey in 2001. There is no surface indication of a pit structure, and no remnants of surface rooms were visible north of the anomaly. During the 2003 field season, a 2-x-2-m test unit was excavated from the modern ground surface through approximately 40 cm of natural fill and secondary refuse (the latter designated Nonstructure 804). In 2004, excavation continued through Nonstructure 804 and into unburned roof deposits associated with Structure 803. At the depth at which roof deposits were exposed, the unit was divided into two 1-x-2-m units and the northern 1-x-2-m unit was excavated to the floor. The prepared adobe floor surface was approximately 2 cm thick and was constructed directly on undisturbed native sediment. Artifacts resting on the floor included a peckingstone, four flakes, a pottery pendant, two mano fragments, a metate fragment, and white ware and corrugated gray sherds. A circular hearth was located in the north-central portion of the 1-x-2-m unit. Ash was collected for flotation analysis.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from the floor indicates that Structure 803 was occupied into the Pueblo III period.
Architectural Block 1000
Nonstructure 1040
During the 2004 field season, five 1-x-1-m units were excavated to test Nonstructure 1040, a midden deposit located east of Architectural Block 100 and north of Architectural Block 1100 (Figure 2). Deposits from Nonstructure 1040 are presumed to be associated with a remote-sensing anomaly (probably a pit structure). Excavation in all the test units was completed by the end of the 2004 field season. No features or structures were identified in the test units.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 1040 indicates that the refuse was deposited primarily during the Pueblo II period.
Nonstructure 1041
During the 2004 field season, five 1-x-1-m units were excavated to test Nonstructure 1041, a midden deposit located east of Architectural Block 100 and southeast of Architectural Block 900 (Figure 2). Deposits from Nonstructure 1041 are presumed to be associated with at least one remote-sensing anomaly (probably one or more pit structures). Excavation in all the test units was completed by the end of the 2004 field season. No structures were identified in the test units. One feature, a possible burial, was identified in one of the units. Excavation ceased, and the bone was analyzed in situ. This 35- to 50-year old adult, probably male, was represented by portions of a cranium and a fourth right metatarsal. The age of the individual was estimated on the basis of the degree of suture closure, as well as the observation that no degenerative changes associated with advanced age were visible. Sex determination was made on the basis of observable cranial characteristics. The nuchal crest, the supraorbital margin, and the mastoid process all fall within the male range. Because the pelvis was not exposed, however, the assessment that this individual was probably male is tentative. The occipital bone showed evidence of flattening consistent with the practice of cradleboarding. After the analysis was completed, the unit was backfilled.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 1041 indicates that the refuse was deposited during the Pueblo II/Pueblo III periods.
Nonstructure 1042
During the 2004 field season, five 1-x-1-m units were excavated to test Nonstructure 1042, a midden deposit located east of Architectural Block 900 (Figure 2). Deposits from Nonstructure 1042 are presumed to be associated with several remote-sensing anomalies (probably pit structures). Excavation in all the test units was completed by the end of the 2004 field season. No features or structures were identified in the test units.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 1042 indicates that the refuse was deposited during the Pueblo II/Pueblo III periods.
Nonstructure 1043
During the 2004 field season, five 1-x-1-m units were excavated to test Nonstructure 1043, a midden located east of Architectural Block 900 (Figure 2). Deposits from Nonstructure 1043 are presumed to be associated with several remote-sensing anomalies (probably pit structures) and with Structure 1037 (see Ryan 2004*1). Excavation in all the units was completed by the end of the 2004 field season. No features or structures were identified in the test units.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 1043 indicates that the refuse was deposited during the Pueblo II/Pueblo III periods.
Architectural Block 1100
Nonstructure 1101
During the 2004 field season, 15 1-x-1-m units were excavated to test Nonstructure 1101, a midden deposit located in Architectural Block 1100, southeast of Architectural Block 100 (Figure 2). Deposits from Nonstructure 1101 are associated with Structure 1104, a masonry-lined kiva (see Ryan 2004*1) and with two other remote-sensing anomalies (probably pit structures). Excavation in all the units was completed by the end of the 2004 field season. No features or structures were identified in the test units.
Preliminary analysis of pottery collected from Nonstructure 1101 indicates that the refuse was deposited during the Pueblo II/Pueblo III periods.
Chronology
Crow Canyon's research at Albert Porter Pueblo has provided conclusive evidence for discontinuous occupation between A.D. 600 and 1050 (Basketmaker III–early Pueblo II periods) and possibly continuous occupation from A.D. 1050 through the late 1200s (late Pueblo II through the Pueblo III periods). Albert Porter Pueblo may have been abandoned for a time during the A.D. 900s. On the basis of pottery data, it appears that Albert Porter Pueblo was reoccupied during the Chaco era (ca. A.D. 1050–1150), at which time the great house in Architectural Block 100 was constructed. Albert Porter Pueblo was occupied during the A.D. 1140–1180 period, but the intensity of occupation remains uncertain at this point. 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. The results of tree-ring, radiocarbon, and archaeomagnetic dating analysis will allow us to further refine the chronology of 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 the 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.
Future Research
All pottery and stone artifacts collected from Albert Porter Pueblo during the 2004 season will be analyzed during 2005. Animal bone, pollen samples, tree-ring samples, archaeomagnetic samples, and radiocarbon samples will be sent for special analyses in 2005. We are currently waiting for the results of tree-ring analysis for samples collected during the 2002, 2003, and 2004 field seasons.
Information derived from field research will be used to address several critical questions regarding the prehistory of the Mesa Verde region. By the end of the project, we will reconstruct periods of occupation and depopulation, and we will better understand the role of Albert Porter Pueblo as a community center, the extent of Chacoan influence at the site, and the organization of communities during the Chaco and post-Chaco periods in the Mesa Verde region. Continued analysis in 2005 will further add to our understanding of this significant site and its relationship to other communities in the northern San Juan region.
Research Field Personnel, 2004 Field Season
Susan Ryan - Project director
Erin Baxter - Research archaeologist
Dave Satterwhite - Research archaeologist
Jim
Hampson - Seasonal archaeologist
Hugh Robinson - Seasonal
archaeologist
Scott Ortman - Lab manager
Lew
Matis - Lab educator
Jamie Merewether - Collections
manager
Jonathan Till - Lab analysis manager
Mark
Varien - Director of research
Sarah Anderson - Research
intern
Craig Fertelmes - Research intern
Scott
Ingram - Research intern
Jeff Stivers - Research
intern
Larry Berger - Research volunteer
Craig
Childs - Research volunteer
Rich Fleming - Research
volunteer
Joel Gamache - Research volunteer
Monica Plewe - Research volunteer
Alex
Prime - Research volunteer
Gayle Prior - Research
volunteer
Mary Schultz - Research volunteer
Larry Tradlener - Research volunteer
Southwest
Open School, Cortez, Colorado
Education Staff Personnel, 2004 Field Season
Courtney Brocks
Margie
Connolly
Paul Ermigiotti
Elaine Franklin
Shaine Gans
Rebecca Hammond
Josh Munson
Sarah
Payne
Sean Steele
Andrea Berger, intern
REMINDER: Archaeological resources are protected by federal laws, and archaeological research is guided by a set of professional ethics. See Archaeological Ethics and Law.
© Copyright 2005 by Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. All rights reserved.