Fieldwork, Geology, and Early Component Research During 2001-2002 at the Barnes Site, 5LA9187, Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Colorado

摘要

An archaeological field program consisting of geologic investigations, intensive surface collection, and hand excavations occurred during the period July 15 through August 24, 2001 at the Barnes site, 5LA9187 on the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Colorado. Geologic studies centered on exposure and documentation of ca. 131 m of backhoe trenches that revealed a complex geomorphic history that included numerous scour, aggradation, and lateral truncation cycles during the early/middle Holocene. Radiocarbon dates indicate that all tested sediments are ca. 7600 BP or younger in age. Test excavations occurred in dispersed shallow and deep units that covered all or parts of 35 one-meter squares and removed and processed ca. 22.4 cubic meters of site fill. The Late Prehistoric is highly significant, producing more than 700 artifacts in the surface collection, three hearths, and unusual pit feature that contained more than 1,400 small stone beads. The Late Prehistoric component warrants detailed study and interpretation as well as site preservation, if at all feasible.