A Reinterpretation of the Occupational History of the Pendleton Ruin, New Mexico

Abstract

The Pendleton Ruin) an adobe pueblo of approximately 125 rooms in the ((bootheeP) of sw New Mexico) was excavated by Alfred V I(idde1) C. Burton Cosgrove) and Harriet S. Cosgrove in 1933. It defined the Animas phase) dated betweenA.D. 1150 and 1450. In this pape1) the occupational histmj' of the Pendleton Ruin is reexamined) beginning with the excavators) assumption that the laclt of trash accul1utlation indicated a brief occupation. Based on the published report)field noteboollS)and collections) it is concluded that the site was occupied longer than thought. Evidence for at least one hiatus in occupation may explain how a long occupation is compatible with low artifact yields. Evidence alsopoints to the construction of a platform mound along the northern side of a plaza. A reinterpretation of regional settlement and social m;ganization) focused on the role and scale of settlement instability) is presented. Finally) the results present a case study of how reanalysis of excavated materials can be a useful archaeological practice.