| Abstrakt: |
The Sears Point Archaeological District is a large and complex site extending along the terraces on the south side of the Gila River. The area is characterized by steep volcanic cliffs that have over 2000 panels of petroglyphs on vertical faces of basalt mesas and on boulders. Rupestrian CyberServices and Plateau Mountain Desert Research mapped an additional 87 archaeological features including geoglyphs, rock piles, rings, alignments, cleared areas, extensive trails, historic features from the 1800s, and evidence of temporary habitation. Sears Point is considered a major regional gathering area where people came together to collect food resources and participate in ceremonies. A variety of cultures, including the Desert Archaic, Patayan, and Hohokam, used the site, and it is possible there was Paleoindian presence. Documenting the archaeological features and analyzing the relationship of approximately 10,000 petroglyph elements to their natural setting increases our overall understanding of the prehistory of the lower Colorado and Gila River valleys. However, additional in depth documentation of regional sites must be done and analyzed before definitive patterns of prehistoric use can be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
