March is “Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month.” This year is also the 101st anniversary of the Antiquities Act, the first law established to safeguard the nation’s archaeological resources. We are privileged to live in one of the most archaeological‑rich states. I would like to encourage everyone to visit some archaeological sites and learn about Arizona’s earliest inhabitants.

Parks and monuments that feature ruins or cliff dwellings, artifacts and exhibits include: Canyon de Chelly, Casa Grande, Montezuma Castle, Tonto National Monument, Tuzigoot, Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monument. Petroglyph sites include Painted Rocks State Park and Deer Valley Rock Art Center.

If you live in New River, Cave Creek or Black Canyon City, there are probably Indian ruins and archaeological sites within walking distance of your home. Some local residents have even found arrowheads and potsherds in their own backyards. This transition zone between the lower and upper deserts was the northern periphery of Hohokam culture. The settlements in this region were mostly small, widely diverse, and informally organized. The inhabitants were probably in contact with the larger Hohokam villages in the Salt and Gila River Valleys.

Hohokam Indians began settling this area around 600‑800 A.D. (the time of the Vikings). The major occupation of the region took place between 1000‑1250 A.D. (the beginning of the Middle Ages). Hohokams lived along the Agua Fria River until approximately 1450 A.D. (the end of the Middle Ages). By around 1450 A.D., this entire area along with the rest of central Arizona had been abandoned.

The Agua Fria River had agricultural sites where the Indians grew agave and corn on terraces. Along the New River, corn and cotton were grown in large flooded fields. Farming fields were also located along Skunk Creek. Smaller fields were scattered throughout the region. Additional water sources consisted of springs, and deep pools that held water when the rivers weren’t running. These Hohokams did not dig canals like those down in the valley, but built extensive dam and terrace systems to utilize rainwater. Diets were supplemented with wild animals and plants: saguaro, prickly pear and cholla cacti; mesquite, palo verde and ironwood trees; deer, rabbit and bighorn sheep.

Outcroppings of basalt, rhyolite, and slate/shale were used for tools and building materials. Stone was the most common building material due to its abundant supply. Were hilltop rock structures forts, retreats or habitations? There is not enough evidence left to tell much about them. Most appear to have been constructed for defensive purposes, but some were occupied at least temporarily. They provided views of drainages, agricultural fields, roaming animal herds, settlements and other hilltop sites.

Prescott College began locating and surveying archaeological sites at the southwest corner of the Tonto National Forest by helicopter in the late 1960s, followed by extensive ground surveys and excavations from 1971‑1976. These sites consist of the remains of walls that formed rooms, plazas spread over several acres, water control/field systems, terraces, rock borders, artifact scatter and petroglyphs.

Searching for Archaeological Clues

To survey an area for archaeological evidence, get a group of people together, then spread out and walk single file. Look at the ground for unusual rock formations, rocks that appear different from surrounding rocks, potsherds, arrowheads, clay spindles, stone tools, hollowed out stones, depressions, petroglyphs, cleared areas surrounded by rock borders and patches of agave plants. Murpheyi agave is not native to this area, but the local Indians imported and cultivated it. Some of these agave plants continue to grow.

America’s Archaeological Heritage 1906‑2006

Archaeological sites and artifacts are fragile treasures that should not be disturbed, so they can remain for future generations to study and enjoy. In the last quarter of the 19th century, there was concern that archaeological sites and artifacts were being endangered by haphazard         digging and commercial artifact looting. On June 8, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act which laid the foundation for prohibiting digging, removing artifacts, damaging and/or defacing archaeological resources. Federal and state laws provide for both felony and misdemeanor prosecution with imprisonment and fines. Witnesses to pot hunting or vandalism should note the location of the activity, record descriptions of persons and vehicles seen, and report it as soon as possible by calling 1‑800‑VANDALS.

By following some simple guidelines, you can minimize impacts on archaeological sites and help preserve the scientific and historical value of these unique and irreplaceable remnants from the past. Proceed with caution and stay on trails. Pets should not be brought onto archaeological sites. Avoid horseback riding, biking or driving through archaeological sites. Don’t camp, light fires or smoke at archaeological sites. Don’t climb, sit on, stand on or knock down rock walls. Please refrain from touching petroglyphs, as oils from even the cleanest hands will hasten the deterioration of rock art. Graffiti (drawing, painting, scratching or carving) is destructive, disrespectful and spoils the setting for others. It is illegal to remove artifacts, including pottery pieces.

Additional Resources

“Archaeologists Dig for Clues,” by Kate Duke. (Join an archaeological dig and make some exciting discoveries about how scientists learn about the past.)

“Elena and the Coin,” by Laura Orabone. (A charming and informative story for elementary school children about archaeology and the history of Tucson.)

http://www.azarchsoc.org (The Arizona Archaeological Society, with links to the Desert Foothills and other chapters.)

http://www.blkmtnconservancy.org/historyp.html (An interesting article about ancient Indians, from the Black Mountain Conservancy.)

http://www.uapress.arizona.edu/samples/sam1013.htm (The Archaeology of Ancient Arizona: a summary of Arizona’s prehistoric land and people.)

http://eastcollege.east.asu.edu/swprehis (Prehistory of the Southwest: a general studies course with an excellent introduction, detailed information and pictures.)

http://www.arizonaarchaeologicalcouncil.org (Arizona Archaeological Council)

http://archaeology.la.asu.edu (Arizona Archaeological Research Institute, Tempe)

http://www.asu.edu/clas/anthropology/dvrac (Petroglyph facts, photos, resources, and activities presented by the Deer Valley Rock Art Center.)

http://archaeology.asu.edu/vm/Education/AZpottery/intro_frame.html (Prehistoric Pottery of Arizona, an interactive Web exhibit for children.)

http://www.cr.nps.gov/archeology (National Park Service Archaeology Program)