EMAP Alivas Canyon - LA45000 Unit 60, 1998

The report summarizes the results of the excavation of Unit 60, a large jacal structure located on the easternmost margin of site LA 450000. LA 45000 is one of 3 Classic Mimbres sites chosen for investigation by the 1998 Eastern Mimbres Archaeological Project (EMAP). The project is directed by Margaret Nelson, Ph.D. and Michelle Hegmon, Ph.D. of Arizona State University's Department of Anthropology. LA 45000 was directed by Tiffany Clark, with unit supervision by Kathryn Leonard. Two undergraduate students, Debby Bradley and Nicole Swanson, also participated in the excavation of Unit 60. Site LA 45000 is located on top of an elongated ridge in the upper portion of the Palomas drainage to the Rio Grande. The site is composed of four roomblocks, including one large rectangular structure (Unit 60). Unit 60 is located on the easternmost portion of the site. Unit 60 was chosen for excavation because its unusual architectural appearance suggested that it way have been of jacal construction. Additionally, its large size also suggested that it may have had a communal function.