Groundbreaking Study on Ancient Southwestern Social Networks to be Published by National Academy of Sciences

Groundbreaking Study on Ancient Southwestern Social Networks to be Published by National Academy of Sciences
Archaeology Southwest is pleased to announce the publication of “Transformation of social networks in the late pre-Hispanic US Southwest,” by Barbara J. Mills, Jeffery J. Clark, Matthew A. Peeples, W. R. Haas, Jr., John M. Roberts, Jr., J. Brett Hill, Deborah L. Huntley, Lewis Borck, Ronald L. Breiger, Aaron Clauset, and M. Steven Shackley, in the online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The article presents the findings of the Southwest Social Networks Project (SWSN), a multidisciplinary collaboration spearheaded by the University of Arizona’s School of Anthropology and Archaeology Southwest. The project is one of the first to apply social network analysis (SNA) methods developed in sociology, physics, and mathematics to archaeological data.  http://bit.ly/10pAx06 – Archaeology Southwest

Celebrating 100 years of Chiricahua Apache Autonomy
When Geronimo along with Naiche and Nana and a small band of Chiricahua Apache warriors surrendered to federal troops in 1886, they numbered about 22 men and 15 women and children. Nevertheless, the U.S. government rounded up and imprisoned nearly 500 men, women and children all members of the Chiricahua Apache Tribe, according to Mescalero Tribal Administrator Freddie Kaydahzinne.  Kaydahzinne said the Chiricahua Apache used to roam from around Silver City into southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico. The overall Apache Tribe called an even larger area home. The Chiricahua Apache and the Mescalero Apache tribe are holding a two-day celebration Friday and Saturday to mark 100 years of freedom for the Chiricahua people. http://bit.ly/10qTAbq – Alamogordo News

Excavations at Univeristy Ruin Help Share the Story of the Hohokam
The Pima Indian word for the Hohokam peoples translates to “all used up” or “the finished ones,” but archaeologists digging in Arizona’s University Indian Ridge Ruins continue to find evidence of a once vibrant population. And they’re making their work known during March, which is Arizona Archaeology & Heritage Month. http://bit.ly/117Tqsc – Indian Country Today

Las Cruces to Reexamine Historic Preservation
Almost three years after the creation of a historic preservation ad-hoc committee, the Las Cruces City Council will discuss the merits of establishing an ordinance that would regulate historic buildings in the city. The council will take up the proposed historic preservation ordinance when it meets for a work session at 1 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 700 N. Main St. Also at the work session, the council will talk over the possibilities of naming the soon-to-be-completed intermodal transit center, now being constructed at the southwest corner of Alameda Boulevard and Lohman Avenue.  http://bit.ly/16q737w – Las Cruces Sun News

Shelton Johnson Receives Stewart L. Udall Award
It was a cool, drizzly day but the clouds started to dissolve as the sun began to set behind the Santa Catalina Mountains. Tables were set with antique native basket centerpieces, mahi mahi tacos and other delicacies were being prepared, the Aracelli Strings orchestra began to play, and guests began to arrive. On the evening of March 9th, Western National Parks Association (WNPA), held its Danson with the Parks: WNPA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in Tucson, Arizona. With special guest Ted Danson, the event commemorated WNPA’s long history and partnership with the NPS and the association’s 75 years of connecting people to the national park experience. http://bit.ly/13J94Og – National Park Service

Story Update – Despite Formal Protest by Mexican Government, Sotheby’s Holds Auction for Ancient Mexican Artifacts
Sothbey reports a world record for Pre-Columbian Art – Our Paris sale achieved €10.3 million ($13.3 million), a world record for a sale of Pre-Columbian Art. The sale of the Chupícuaro “Venus” figure from Guanajuato, Mexico for €2 set a new record for a Mexican ceramic, one of four records achieved in this auction.

Take a Learning Vacation with Crow Canyon Archaeology Center
An increasing number of adult travelers are looking to vacation time not only as an occasion to relax and regenerate, but as an opportunity to learn. With a 30-year history of providing hands-on educational experiences to the public, the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center near Cortez, Colo., has expanded its adult programs to meet this demand. http://bit.ly/YoHbaj – San Francisco Gate

Reminder – This Tuesday’s Archaeology Cafe to Feature Pima County’s Holistic Approach to Preservation
Linda Mayro (Pima County Cultural Resources Manager) and Julia Fonseca (Pima County Office of Conservation Science and Environmental Policy) share the achievements of Pima County’s Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, a long-term vision for protecting the heritage and natural resources of the West.  We gather after 5:00 p.m., and presentations begin by 6:15 p.m. Outdoor seating is open and unreserved, but limited. Share tables and make new friends! http://bit.ly/ZMOreL – Archaeology Southwest

Arrowhead Workshop – Tucson
On Saturday April 20, archaeologist and flintknapper Allen Denoyer offers his “Arrowhead-making and Flintknapping Workshop” at Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, 2201 W. 44th Street, Tucson from 9 a.m. to noon. In this workshop, Allen provides participants with hands-on experience and understanding about how prehistoric people made and used projectile points and other tools created from obsidian and other workable stone.
The class is designed to help modern people understand how prehistoric Native Americans made traditional crafts, and is not intended to train students how to make artwork for sale. Fee of $35 ($28 for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary members) includes all materials and equipment. http://bit.ly/14GI8hU – Old Pueblo Archaeology

Lecture Opportunity – Santa Fe
Southwest Seminars Presents Dr. Barbara J. Roth, who will give a lecture on the Definition of Mogollon: A 5-Year Archaeological Research Project at Harris Site, New Mexico on April 8 at 6pm at Hotel Santa Fe as part of the annual Ancient Sites Ancient Stories II Lecture Series held annually to honor and acknowledge the work of The Archaeological Conservancy. Admission is by subscription or $12 at the door. No reservations are necessary and refreshments are served. Contact Connie Eichstaedt, tel: 505 466-2775, email: southwestseminar@aol.com http://bit.ly/YhJddr – Southwest Seminars

Tour Opportunity – Rock Art, Archaeology and Geology of La Cieneguilla With David Grant Noble and Dr. Kirt Kempter
Our special visit to the southwest Santa Fe petroglyph site of La Cieneguilla features two of our favorite study leaders: David Grant Noble, and Dr. Kirt Kempter. We’ll learn about the history and theories relating to ancestral rock art, migration of Tewa Pueblo peoples, Colonial Spanish exploration and settlement along El Camino Real (Royal Road), plus fascinating concepts of earth science, significant geographic landscape and visible volcanic features young and old we see in this region, as well as the causes of the rise  of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. We will also review the local hydrology and understand the presence of many natural springs nearby. Our short hike on Sunday, April 28 will include some relatively flat trails, some rough uneven terrain and will include a short but steep rocky talus access to the ridge top, so come prepared. Lunch on site, weather permitting. Lunch and Study Leader honoraria included. Limited space. $75 pp. Contact Southwest Seminars for more information at 505-466-2775 or http://bit.ly/YhJddr – Southwest Seminars

Editor’s Note:
In a sad developments this week, we learned that the archaeological community has lost Linda Cordell and Patrick Culbert. Dr. Cordell’s passing comes as a shock to all who knew of her dedication and expertise in southwestern archaeology. Like so many others who were fortunate enough to have studied anthropology at the University of Arizona or studied the ancient Mesoamerican world, Archaeology Southwest notes the passing of Patrick Culbert with a deep sense of loss. Our condolences to their families and friends, and our sincerest expression of respect for these two friends, mentors, and scholars.

Thanks to Cherie Freeman for contributing to this week’s newsletter.