Nonstructure 606, extramural surface

Back to Study Unit

Features

Burial pit (Feature 1) Top of page
General description
Burial pit excavated into undisturbed native sediments for the placement of HRO-4.
Use history
Pit used to inter human remains.
Associated features
Feature 2, HRO-4.
Excavation procedure
All of the pit, Segment 1, within the 1-x-1 m unit was excavated with a trowel and brush in 10 cm levels. Fill was screened with 1/4 inch screen.
Portion excavated
All of pit within 1-x-1 m unit 436N 467E was excavated approximately 12 cm before HRO-4 was exposed.
Horizontal location
In northeastern portion of 1-x-1 m unit 436N 467E.
Vertical location
Top of pit at approximately 94.39-94.44m.
Construction
Pit was excavated into undisturbed native sediments; it was not prepared in any way.
Remodeling/ modification
No
Thermal alteration
No
Sooting
No
Sealed
Yes. Sealed with secondary refuse
Preservation
Good.
Degree of preservation
Edge of pit has been mottled by surface weathering.
Shape in plan view
Actual:  basin-shaped.
Inferred: 
Shape in cross section
Actual:  elliptical.
Inferred: 
Shape comments
Dimensions
 
Actual
Complete?
Inferred
Comments
Length
43
No
33-43 cm; measured east-west.
Width
36
Yes
22-36 cm; measured north-south.
Height
No
Depth
12
No
Stratigraphy
Stratum
Interpretation
Inclusions
Disturbance
Color
Texture
A
Secondary refuse deposited on top of HRO-4
Charcoal; ash; adobe
None
Reddish brown
Silty clay
Human remains occurrence , HRO 4 (Feature 2) (NOTE: Additional information on human remains is archived at the Anasazi Heritage Center, Dolores, Colorado.) Top of page
General description
The left fragment of a temporal bone of a child between 4-12 years of age.
Use history
Not applicable.
Associated features
Burial Pit (Nonstructure 606, Feature 1).
Excavation procedure
Human Remains Occurrence 4 was exposed while excavating in 1-x-1 m unit 436N 467E. Excavation ceased once the remains were identified as human.
Portion excavated
A small portion of a cranial fragment was exposed in the northeastern portion of 1-x-1-m unit 436N 467E before excavation ceased.
Horizontal location
In the northeastern portion of 1-x-1 m unit 436N 467E.
Vertical location
At approximately 94.42 m.
Construction
A burial pit (Nonstructure 606, Feature 1) was excavated into undistrubed native sediment. Once interred, the remains were covered with secondary refuse.
Remodeling/ modification
No
Thermal alteration
No
Sooting
No
Sealed
Yes. With secondary refuse.
Preservation
Poor.
Degree of preservation
Remains exhibit extensive ground and surface weathering.
Shape in plan view
Actual: 
Inferred:  basin-shaped
Shape in cross section
Actual: 
Inferred:  elliptical
Shape comments
Dimensions
 
Actual
Complete?
Inferred
Comments
Length
No
Not applicable.
Width
No
Not applicable.
Height
No
Depth
No
Not applicable.
Stratigraphy
Stratum
Interpretation
Inclusions
Disturbance
Color
Texture
1
Secondary refuse mixed with natural, post-occupational sediments.
Charcoal; ash; adobe.
None.
5 YR 4/4 Reddish Brown
Silty clay