News From The Field

September 30, 2007

	Longtime friend and program alumnus Hal Willoby.
	Kristin examines beam in oversize kiva in Block 700.
	Alumna Connie Moramarco with pendant found in oversize kiva.
	Alumnus Scott Evans excavates doorway in west wall of  Block 700 (his left hand is about 18 inches above the doorway).
	Pottery sherds found in collapsed wall debris, Block 700. Note unusual design on top sherd.

Many adult novices and alums have turned out to lend a hand during these final weeks of excavation at Goodman Point Pueblo; their hard work is greatly appreciated. Also, we’d like to take this opportunity to say good-bye and extend our heartfelt thanks to Hal Willoby. After 20 years of dedicated and conscientious service on numerous Crow Canyon field projects, Hal has decided to hang up his trowel. We’ll miss his careful excavation style and pleasant, cheerful personality. Thanks for your considerable contribution to our research, Hal!

During this month, we made substantial progress in the oversize kiva in Block 700 (the D-shaped, bi-wall block), in excavation units along the west walls of Blocks 700 and 1200, and in the kiva and midden of Block 1300 (see the site map for May for block locations). The structural collapse in the oversize kiva has yielded numerous large, rotted beams, and we’re hoping at least one of them will yield a tree-ring date. The roofing debris also contains a surprising array of artifacts that reflect activities that occurred in this block.

The doorway in the west wall of Block 700 (which I mentioned in the last field update), as well as the bedrock surface that the wall rests on, has now been completely exposed. The doorway has suffered some damage that probably occurred when debris from the collapsed upper-story walls exerted outward pressure against the lower walls; however, much of the exposed section of wall and the doorway sill stones are well preserved. Many artifacts were found in wall debris in this 1-x-1-m excavation unit, including pottery with unusual designs, multiple partial vessels, and a complete two-hand mano fashioned of conglomerate sandstone. These items were probably left on the floors of adjacent upper-story rooms and came to rest in rubble as those floors gave way.

We have not yet had an opportunity to examine and document in detail the architecture in Block 700. Eventually, of course, we’ll scrutinize all the architecture, features, artifacts, and samples associated with the block for indications of how these structures were used. Also, we’ll compare and contrast many different characteristics of this block with those of typical, residential blocks at Goodman Point Pueblo and also with the characteristics of Block 1500 at Sand Canyon Pueblo (see Sand Canyon site map and block map) , a building that was nearly identical in size, shape, orientation, and layout, and that was built about the same time. We’ll also pursue the possibility that both of these D-shaped blocks were modeled after Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon.

As the end of the 2007 field season nears, we’re welcoming the return of typical fall weather—crisp mornings and warm afternoons. Great for digging!

Kristin Kuckelman, Senior Research Archaeologist, Project Director, Goodman Point Pueblo Excavation