IDENTIFICATION AND AMS RADIOCARBON DATING OF CHARCOAL FROM THE GAME DRIVE SITE, 5LA5484, ON THE PIÑON CANYON MANEUVER SITE, COLORADO

Two charcoal samples from an excavation unit at the Game Drive Site (5LA5484) on the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in Las Animas County, Colorado, were submitted for identification. A single radiocarbon date also was obtained from charcoal in one of the samples. This site is a large complex of rockshelters, rock art, bedrock metates, thermal features, and lithics. Diagnostic projectile points and rock art suggest occupation within the Developmental to Diversification periods (A.D. 100-1050 to A.D. 1050-1450). Charcoal identification will provide information concerning woods burned as fuel at the site, and an AMS radiocarbon date will help confirm occupational sequence of the site, as well as aid in assessing eligibility of the site for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.