Highway Salvage Excavations in the Upper Tonto Basin, Arizona

Abstract

ABSTRACTUnder contract with the Arizona Highway Department and the Bureau of Public Roads, the Arizona State Museum conducted archaeological excavations in four prehistoric ruins in the Tonto National Forest during January and February, 1967, as a part of the Highway Archaeological Salvage Program. Two pithouses, eight surface rooms, two mescal pits, and a number of other features were uncovered. The sites appear to show a seasonal occupation with a relatively strong dependence on the gathering and use of mescal or agave. Local ceramics are entirely plainware with the few decorated pottery types recovered indicating trade relations to the northeast. These sites represent a late occupation of the area, probably between A.D. 1200 and 1300. Cultural affiliation with the Southern Sinagua is indicated.