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An Assessment of Projectile Points and Chronometrics for Talus Village and the Falls Creek Rock Shelters: Perspectives on Early Maize on the Colorado Plateau by Michael S. Berry [SHF Grant Project No. 2023-AS-005]

This study was initiated May 12, 2023, under Colorado State Historical Fund Project No. 23-AS-005. The purpose of this study is to analyze projectile points from the Falls Creek Rock Shelters and Talus Village near Durango, Colorado. Point typologies will be described using multivariate statistical techniques and, in conjunction, the chonological placement of these types will be evaluated for purposes of comparison on a regional scale. The ultimate goal is the determination of the timing and processes involved in the movement of maize-based populations from the Southern Basin and Range Province of the Southwest to the Colorado Plateau.
Acquisition of the projectile points from collections at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Canyons of the Ancients Vistitor Center and Museum (CANM) necessitated consultation with an inclusive group Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) of Southwestern Tribes. Consultation was undertaken by Dr. Michelle Stevens, Hertiage Program Lead for the San Juan National Forest. In consultation between Ms. Cassandra Atencio, THPO of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and Dr. Stevens, concurrence with the project was approved and given the proviso that the following statement be included in all documents developed by the Dominquez Archaeological Research Group.

This study seeks to better understand the morphological characteristics and distribution of projectile points from semi-sedentary site contexts occupied between 400 BC - AD 500 in the greater Upper San Juan Region of the Southwest. Projectile points from other site types, e.g., short-term camps or limited activity sites, occupied during the same period are not included. Therefore, results of this study should not be used to imply that only one culture group occupied the entire study area during this period. Dominquez Archaeological Research Group (DARG) acknowledges that the study area is the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary homelands of many indigenous peoples including the Pueblos, Ute, Dine (Navajo), and Jicarilla Apache. DARG understands and respects all indigenous Tribes' deep cultural connection to this landscape.

DARG certainly concurs with the concerns of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Acquisition of the projectile points was accomplished with the assistance of Blythe Morrison, Collection Specialist at CANM.

Click the links below to view the projectile points analyzed for this project

Talus Village Projectile Point Typology

Falls Creek Shelters Projectile Point Typology

An Assessment of Projectile Points and Chronometrics for Talus Village and the Falls Creek Rock Shelters: Perspectives on Early Maize on the Colorado Plateau (report)

Archaeological Reassessment of Rock Art in Canyon Pintado National Historic District: Phase II

This project continues a major preservation, research, and public archaeology initiative for rock art resources in Canyon Pintado National Historic District (5RB.984) located south of Rangely, Colorado in Rio Blanco County. A team of archaeologists and technical specialists organized by Dominquez Archaeological Research Group (DARG) will continue to revisit and intensively record 12 additional high-value rock art sites in the State Bridge / Cow Canyon site complex using advanced, high-resolution digital imaging and computational image processing techniques. Project data will be organized for review, assessment, and curation by tribal, agency, and professional research partners; and will establish baseline recording protocols for future phases of the project. Selected digital products will be shared with public archaeology and education partners. The project will leverage long-term collaborative relationships among professional, tribal and preservation partners; and will encourage newly formed coalitions promoting public archaeology, site stewardship, historic preservation and heritage tourism in an under-served area of the state.

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