Nonstructure 175, extramural surface

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Features

Firepit (Feature 1) Top of page
General description
Round, basin-shaped fire pit.
Use history
Fire pit was expediently constructed for heat, light, warmth, and cooking.
Associated features
Nonstructure 175 Feature 2 (bell shaped cist).
Excavation procedure
This feature was not detected until the south profile wall was cleaned, therefore, this feature was excavated with Provenience Designation's 2143 and 2052 in Excavation Unit 408.
Portion excavated
The northern portion of the fire pit was excavated (unknown amount).
Horizontal location
Located in the south profile wall of 1-x-2-m unit 492.9N 490.1E.
Vertical location
Top of fire pit is at Nonstructure 175 Surface 1 or approximately 97.26 m; bottom of feature is at 97.10 m.
Construction
A round, basin-shaped pit was excavated from Nonstructure 175 Surface 1 into Nonstructure 159 secondary refuse deposits. The pit was not prepared in any way and appears to be an expedient construction.
Remodeling/ modification
No
Thermal alteration
Yes. Slight oxidation of underlying sediments.
Sooting
No
Sealed
Yes. Fire pit was sealed with ash (primary refuse).
Preservation
Good
Degree of preservation
This feature was cut into by Nonstructure 174 Feature 1 posthole.
Shape in plan view
Actual:  basin-shaped
Inferred: 
Shape in cross section
Actual: 
Inferred:  round
Shape comments
Dimensions
 
Actual
Complete?
Inferred
Comments
Length
88
Yes
Width
No
Height
No
Depth
16
Yes
Measured from Nonstructure 175 Surface 1 to feature bottom.
Stratigraphy
Stratum
Interpretation
Inclusions
Disturbance
Color
Texture
1
Primary refuse from use of fire pit.
Charcoal, caliche.
Nonstructure 174 Feature 1, posthole.
7.5 YR 7/2 Pinkish gray.
Ash.
Bell-shaped cist (Feature 2) Top of page
General description
Bell shaped cist associated with Nonstructure 175, an extramural surface.
Use history
This feature was most likely used as a storage container in an extramural use area.
Associated features
Nonstructure 175 Feature 1 (fire pit).
Excavation procedure
Northwest portion of feature (Segment 1) was excavated in a full cut with a trowel. Fill was screened with a 1/4 inch screen.
Portion excavated
Northwest 1/3 (approximated) of feature.
Horizontal location
In southeastern portion of 1-x-2-m unit 493.1N 492.6E.
Vertical location
Top of feature is at Nonstructure 175 Surface 1 or 97.23 m.
Construction
A round, bell-shaped pit was excavated from Nonstructure 175 Surface 1 into undisturbed native sediment.
Remodeling/ modification
No
Thermal alteration
No
Sooting
No
Sealed
Yes. Sealed with refuse from Nonstructure 169.
Preservation
Good
Degree of preservation
Some bioturbation present.
Shape in plan view
Actual:  other
Inferred: 
Shape in cross section
Actual: 
Inferred:  round
Shape comments
Cross-section is "bell shaped"
Dimensions
 
Actual
Complete?
Inferred
Comments
Length
65
No
Width
65
No
Height
No
Depth
69
No
Stratigraphy
Stratum
Interpretation
Inclusions
Disturbance
Color
Texture
1
Nonstructure 169 deposits.
Caliche, sandstone, and charcoal.
Root and rodent.
5 YR 5/6.
Silty clay loam.