Nonstructure 6.3-N, extramural surface

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Features

Human remains occurrence , HRO 11 (Feature 1) (NOTE: Additional information on human remains is archived at the Anasazi Heritage Center, Dolores, Colorado.) Top of page
General description
Highly eroded remains of a human subadult in a burial pit.
Use history
See human remains screen.
Associated features
Located within Feature 2, a burial pit.
Excavation procedure
Excavated sediment around the remains with a variety of bamboo tools, dental pics, and brushes. Bones were left in situ and described, mapped, and photographed.
Portion excavated
Portion within excavation unit, which is the majority of the skeleton, except for portions of the cranium which extend into the west profile.
Horizontal location
Roughly oriented east- west in the northern portion of 1- x- 1-m 419N 522E.
Vertical location
Within a shallow burial pit (Feature 2).
Construction
Not applicable.
Remodeling/ modification
Yes. Not applicable.
Thermal alteration
Yes. From Slide 607-2.
Sooting
Yes. From Slide 607-2.
Sealed
No
Preservation
Poor.
Degree of preservation
Many bones were completely absent, and those that were present were incomplete. Most of the bones were heavily damaged or destroyed by roots, moisture and soil alkalinity. The coloration and surface texture of the remains did not indicate exposure to sunlight. There was no evidence of carnivore damage but rodent marks were detected.
Shape in plan view
Actual: 
Inferred: 
Shape in cross section
Actual: 
Inferred: 
Shape comments
Not applicable.
Dimensions
 
Actual
Complete?
Inferred
Comments
Length
95
No
From cranium to foot; almost complete length; portion of cranium extends beyond excavation unit.
Width
44
Yes
From elbow to elbow.
Height
20
Yes
From proximal end of right femur to left knee area.
Depth
No
Stratigraphy
Stratum
Interpretation
Inclusions
Disturbance
Color
Texture
Burial pit (Feature 2) Top of page
General description
Small, shallow burial pit.
Use history
Burial pit that contains the remains of a human adolescent (F-1); pit does not appear to have been intentionally filled after the individual was interred; instead, the pit has filled with natural deposits.
Associated features
Feature 2 contains Feature 1, the burial of a human adolescent.
Excavation procedure
Featrure fill surrounding human remains was excavated but remains were left in situ; see PD data.
Portion excavated
Portion within excavation unit, which in this case was nearly all of the pit except for its west end.
Horizontal location
North portion of 1-x-1-m 419N 522E.
Vertical location
Pit originates from Surface 1, which is the top of a natural, occupational deposit (Stratum 3 in PD record, Stratum C on Map 114).
Construction
This feature was constructed by excavating through a thick natural deposit consisting of a lot if Morrison formation stone. This deposit was not completely removed from the northwest corner of the pit as part of the burial rests on top it. According to the stratigraphic profile, the base of the pit is defined by a thin, occupational deposit (Map 114, Stratum D) that rests on top of sterile (Stratum E on Map 114); this stratum was not recognized during occupation . This pit was barely large enough for the human remains and the associated grave goods. Part of the right foot rests on the edge of the pit. It may be that the pit was enlarged in the northwest corner before the individual was deposited and in the process some of the sediment and stone defining the upper edge of the pit was undercut. It is also possible that part of the sediment and stone slumped after the individual was interred.
Remodeling/ modification
Yes. From Slide 607-2.
Thermal alteration
Yes. From Slide 607-2.
Sooting
Yes. From Slide 607-2.
Sealed
No
Preservation
Good.
Degree of preservation
Northwest corner of pit is irregular and may have slumped after the individual was interred.
Shape in plan view
Actual:  irregular.
Inferred: 
Shape in cross section
Actual:  unknown.
Inferred:  irregular.
Shape comments
Dimensions
 
Actual
Complete?
Inferred
Comments
Length
90
No
East-west; extends beyond excavation unit to the west.
Width
50
Yes
North-south.
Height
No
Depth
18
Yes
Stratigraphy
Stratum
Interpretation
Inclusions
Disturbance
Color
Texture
1
Virtually identical to overlying natural posoccupational deposit (Stratum 2 in PD record; Stratum B on Map 114); the similarity between the deposits suggests this is a natural deposit that accumulated after interment
Small Morrison formation stones are abundant; charcoal and calcium carbonate flecks are scarce
Roots
7.5YR 6/4; light brown
loam