Archaeology Centre

Centre for Archaeological Field Training Projects

Through a cooperative arrangement with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), PCC Archaeology Centre and its students had an amazing summer field session surveying near Bagdad in Central Arizona. This project benefits the BLM by having the PCC Archaeology Centre staff and students assist BLM archaeologists in surveying a large parcel of  land near the headwaters of Upper Burro Creek, north and east of the Upper Burro Creek Wilderness. The project area consists of rugged terrain including deep canyons and isolated ridge tops. This very remote area, along Bozarth Mesa’s north rim, has never received systematic archaeological survey. It proved to be an excellent opportunity for Pima students to hone the field skills they acquired during the academic year.

With students and staff, the group systematically walked over 600 acres finding numerous sites in pristine condition. Students methodically recorded and documented each site by drawing site maps, taking digital photographs, collecting artifacts, and recording other information. The project offered students the opportunity to refine the skills they learned in class and apply them in a real-world setting. These skills included archaeological survey, mapping, GPS navigation and mapping, artifact identification, and site recording. Pima archaeology students enrolled for this project through the Archaeology Centre and received college credit upon completion of a written assignment after they returned from the field.

The final analysis is not yet complete, but initial findings reveal an intriguing view of the archaeology in the area. People have lived in Upper Burro Creek for thousands of years from archaic times to the modern cattle ranchers of today. The types of archaeological sites discovered during the course of the project revealed different ways people have utilized the environment. Early groups, such as the Prescott Culture Patayan, built hilltop forts, found raw materials for making tools, and developed temporary and permanent camps for living.

The Upper Burro Creek Survey will extend over the next few years and will benefit the BLM, Pima Community College, and especially Pima Archaeology students. Through the 10-day field session, the project participants proved they could handle the rugged terrain, primitive camping facilities, and exacting archaeological survey and recording requirements. The results from all of these efforts will provide valuable information for the archaeological record, endless stories, and countless friendships.

Associated Links   BLM Kingman Field Office Upper Burro Creek Wilderness Sharlot Hall Museum