The Ak Chin Farm Project: Archaeological Survey on the Ak Chin Indian Reservation, West Half

Between October 1980 and February 1981, Northland Research, Inc. conducted an archaeological survey of undeveloped lands on the west half of the Ak Chin Indian Reservation (Ak Chin Community). In the slightly more than 7,000 acres surveyed, Northland field crews recorded 51 archaeological sites belonging to the prehistoric Hohokam and historic Papago cultures. Test excavations were undertaken at several of these sites, and the results demonstrate conclusively the presence of preserved subsurface cultural contexts in many sites. Based on the data obtained in the test excavations and surface examinations, Northland believes that the sites as a group are significant according to the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places. Primarily, the sites derive their significance from their data content, rather than from any unique architectural quality or association with historic personages or events. Northland believes that the proposed development of the Ak Chin west half for irrigated farming poses the threat of adverse impact to these significant sites, and recommends that data recovery be undertaken at a sample of the sites as an acceptable means of impact mitigation. A research plan and effort estimates for such work are developed.