Archaeological Excavation of a Leach Field at the San Jose de Tumacacori Unit of Tumacacori National Historical Park, Santa Cruz County, Arizona (TR2009-5 PDF)

Archaeological investigations of a proposed leac hfield at the Tumacacori Unit of the Tumacacori National Historical Site in southern Arizona led to the discovery of a Mission-era soil mining pit. Excavation of a portion of this feature resulted in the recovery of a sample of artifacts and food remains likely discarded between 1770 and 1820. These items indicate that residents of the mission were cooking and storing food and water in Native American vessels, including the use of comals (tortilla griddles). Meals were served on majolica dishes imported from Mexico. Beef comprised most of the meat eaten, and very few wild animals were hunted, which is similar to patterns seen at other sites of this time period. A large number of adobe bricks were used in the construction of mission buildings, and it is likely that additional soil mining pits are located nearby.

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SKU: TR2009-05D Category:

Description

Archaeological Excavation of a Leach Field at the San Jose de Tumacacori Unit of Tumacacori National Historical Park, Santa Cruz County, Arizona (TR2009-5)

Edited by: J. Homer Thiel

Contributions by: Michael W. Diehl, Lauren W. Falvey, James M. Heidke, Ralph Koziarski, Stacy Ryan, M. Steven Shackley, J. Homer Thiel

Archaeological investigations of a proposed leac hfield at the Tumacacori Unit of the Tumacacori National Historical Site in southern Arizona led to the discovery of a Mission-era soil mining pit. Excavation of a portion of this feature resulted in the recovery of a sample of artifacts and food remains likely discarded between 1770 and 1820. These items indicate that residents of the mission were cooking and storing food and water in Native American vessels, including the use of comals (tortilla griddles). Meals were served on majolica dishes imported from Mexico. Beef comprised most of the meat eaten, and very few wild animals were hunted, which is similar to patterns seen at other sites of this time period. A large number of adobe bricks were used in the construction of mission buildings, and it is likely that additional soil mining pits are located nearby.

46 pages, 11 figures, 14 tables