Projects

Bowie Survey

This research program promotes the appreciation of cultural resources on a local level by working with the residents of Bowie, Arizona to document previously unrecorded sites within the area known to the residents. Another major research interest in the Bowie area is the exploration of prehistoric and historic settlement patterns associated with the Dos Cabezas Mountains and their surrounding foothills.

Our current research within the area has identified evidence for prehistoric agriculture. This is significant since little is known about the agricultural practices of the inhabitants of the San Simon region. The Pinta Site has the potential to increase our understanding of the prehistoric subsistence practices.

River Survey

This research program works in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, Safford Field Office, to document previously unrecorded sites identified through systematic survey of the San Simon river. A large majority of the San Simon River has not been systematically surveyed for cultural resources. Our survey will assist the BLM in their management responsibilities and provide information about the cultural resources under their jurisdiction.

The San Simon River was a prehistoric and historic transportation corridor. Since this was the major permanent water source for this region, it is assumed that major villages would be located along the river. By examining the sites along the river, researchers can investigate questions concerning settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, social interaction, and cultural affiliation.