The Late pre-Hispanic Era in the San Pedro Valley

TOUR FULL – WAITING LIST ONLY
We will be visiting several sites in the northern (lower) San Pedro Valley between the Gila confluence at Winkelman and Benson (where I-10 crosses the river) which date between 700 and 1700 CE. The focus will be on the late pre-Hispanic period (1200-1450 CE). During this interval small groups of Kayenta from northeastern Arizona immigrated to the area and lived alongside local groups who built a number of platform mound villages. The multi-generational interaction between this immigrant minority and the local majority is key to understanding the Salado Phenomenon. Tour leader, Dr. Jeff Clark of Archaeology Southwest, will make the case that what archaeologists call the “Salado” was an inclusive ideology, expressed on polychrome ceramics, which arose to alleviate ethnic tensions and facilitate cooperation and trade in this multi-cultural setting. This is an all day tour (8-9 hours), most of it on good dirt roads and with limited facilities (bathroom breaks in Mammoth and Benson). 

Participants must walk over uneven terrain, dense stands of cholla are present at some sites, but we will not be doing extended hiking. The group will car pool and the site areas are not wheelchair accessible.  This tour group size is limited to 15 so this will be a smaller group than usual for AAHS trips and may fill up fast.  

To sign up for the tour email Chris Sugnet.