Prior to beginning excavations at Ladle House, an augering program was conducted on the site. The purpose of this work was to locate and evaluate subsurface structures in order to better understand the composition of the site. A total of 98 auger holes were placed on the site; as a result of this augering, four possible structures and six possible features were identified.
Two of these structures (Kiva 1 and Structure 10) were selected for testing during the summer of 1994. To test each structure, a 1 meter wide by 0.5 meter deep trench was excavated slightly east of the north-south line bisecting the structure. These trenches were excavated in stratigraphic levels or arbitrary levels no greater than 10 cm in depth.
After initial work on these trenches, it was decided to concentrate efforts on excavation of the kiva. Here, the trench was excavated to just above the floor and a stratigraphic profile was drawn of the west trench face, in order to document the fill sequence of the structure.
After completing this test trench, the remaining fill in the eastern half of the kiva was excavated in stratigraphic levels, architectural elements were documented and the kiva was protected for the winter. The following summer, the western half of the kiva was excavated, and the entire kiva was then protected with a roof
Excavation was conducted entirely by hand with the use of shovels, entrenchers, trowels, brooms and dental picks. All fill was screened to ensure the complete recovery of artifacts, and all possible dendrochronological samples were collected.
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All fill from 0 to 10 cm above the floor and bench was treated as contact deposits. Artifacts from this deposit were point provenienced as floor artifacts. All features were horizontally defined, sectioned, excavated and sampled as appropriate. Bulk soil, pollen, dendrochronological and macrobotanical samples were collected as appropriate. Primary cultural fill was screened through 1/8 inch mesh. All information recovered during excavation was recorded on Woods Canyon's provenience description, feature, point location, and sample forms, and on photograph, artifact, and sample inventory logs. Progress of the excavation was recorded through the daily use of these forms, supplemental information sheets, field notes, color photographs, drawings and plan and profile maps. Artifacts collected during excavation were separated according to type, bagged, labeled, and inventoried. |
Following excavation, all recovered cultural materials were brought back to Woods Canyon's laboratory for processing and analysis. The field inventory forms were compared to the laboratory inventory forms for discrepancies, all discrepancies were corrected and then information on the inventoried materials was entered into a computer data base for future artifact tracking.
Initial laboratory processing of materials consisted of washing artifacts, organizing material by material classes, and labeling and bagging materials according to Anasazi Heritage Center curatorial standards. Samples collected for special analysis (e.g., dendrochronological, pollen, faunal) were separated into types and readied for shipment to the appropriate analysts. Analysis of the various artifact and ecofact classes was oriented toward obtaining information necessary to addressing the research domains of chronology, family and community, economy, and architecture and landscape.
Lithic Analysis
Analysis of lithic materials was directed toward addressing the research domains of chronology and economy. For chipped stone and ground stone tools, an analysis of stylistic, functional and morphological attributes was undertaken, as well as material and source analysis. For lithic debitage, data were collected concerning the level and type of reduction, and the type of lithic parent material and its possible (local or non-local) source. This analysis was done in-house by Kay Barnett and Kelly McAndrews of Woods Canyon, with specialized sourcing of materials being done by Patrick Haynes.
Ceramic Analysis
Analysis of ceramic materials was conducted to allow for a better understanding of site chronology and economy. To this end, macroscopic data were collected concerning the typological attributes, the functional aspects and the behavioral interpretations of the ceramics. This analysis was conducted in-house by Kelly McAndrews and Kay Barnett of Woods Canyon. An informal, roughly 5%, sample of the ceramic assemblage was microscopically examined by Mary Maez for the purposes of consistency, especially in regards to identification of non-local trade wares.
Faunal Analysis
Analysis of faunal materials was directed towards answering questions of economy. Analysis tried to determine the kinds of animals exploited, the seasonality of procurement, processing techniques, and distribution patterns within the site. In addition, data on the use of faunal materials for tools was recorded and analyzed with regard to function, manufacturing techniques and use wear. All faunal materials recovered from excavation were submitted for analysis to Ron Rood.
Macrobotanical and Pollen Analysis
Analysis of macrobotanical remains and pollen was directed towards answering questions regarding economy, family and community, and landscape. The analysis was oriented toward determining the types of plants utilized, the relative importance of each plant, processing techniques, and distribution within the site. All macrobotanical and pollen analysis was conducted by Paleo Research Laboratories.
Chronometric Studies
Chronometric studies in the form of dendrochronological analysis were conducted in an attempt to define the exact time(s) of site occupation. Dendrochronological analysis was conducted by the Laboratory of Tree-ring Research.
Human Skeletal Remains
The analysis of the human remains was directed toward answering questions regarding family and community and, indirectly, economy. The analysis was conducted in-house by Kay Barnett of Woods Canyon.
Artifact Curation
The artifacts recovered from Ladle House have been prepared for curation in accordance with the curatorial standards of the Anasazi Heritage Center. They will be curated in a secure building at Indian Camp Ranch pending the construction of the permanent museum there. The human remains were submitted to the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office where the process of repatriation has begun.
