Description

Archaeological Data Recovery at the Sunset Mesa Ruin (AZ AA:12:10 ASM) (TR1998-4) (PDF)

Phase 1 Data Recovery was conducted at the Sunset Mesa Ruin, AZ AA:12:10 (ASM), to evaluate the archaeological resources that will be impacted by the gravel mining operations of Tucson Ready Mix, Inc. A total of 69 features was identified in 59 strategically-placed backhoe trenches, creating 2,018 m of trench cuts. Stratigraphic and ceramic data suggest that the prehistoric portion of the site is a single component occupied primarily during the Middle Rincon subphase (A.D. 1000-1100). There is some ceramic evidence to suggest that portions of the site were used later, into the Tanque Verde phase (A.D. 1150-1450). The five human secondary cremation burials located so far are in two areas, north and south in what remains of the site.