A History of Mobility in New Mexico by Lindsay M. Montgomery

Author:Lindsay M. Montgomery [Montgomery, Lindsay M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780367348007
Google: AXjZzQEACAAJ
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Published: 2021-03-31T05:07:03+00:00

Figure 5.11 Distribution of Flakes and Tools by Raw Material Type at Three Basins.

The Three Basin lithic scatters are primarily associated with informal tools, including three unifaces and four retouched flakes that show minimal levels of bifacial or unifacial working. These expedient tools were likely used on-site as part of coordinated task-group activities before being discarded. These scatters were also more materially diverse than those at Arroyo Punche, each containing obsidian, chert, and quartzite flakes. Notably, obsidian made up 32% of the chipped stone assemblage at Three Basins overall, a significantly greater quantity when compared to both Punche Lake (22%) and Arroyo Punche (1%). Without additional raw material sourcing studies, it is difficult to assess whether the obsidian at Three Basins reflects an increased use of local raw materials or long distance mobility or trade.85 However, the higher frequency of obsidian within this playa does suggest that the occupants of the site had integrated obsidian into their raw material procurement pattern to a greater degree.

The lithic assemblages from Arroyo Punche and Three Basins draw attention to the various ways in which surface collections obscure correlations between tool type and human behavior. Instead of representing clearly defined patterns of mobility, these undiagnostic scatters reveal similarities in how Indigenous groups were using playa landscapes over time. Over a roughly 6,000-year period, both playas appear to have been used by different groups of Indigenous foragers as logistical activity areas rather than as base camps. The general paucity of faunal remains at these sites suggests that if hunting did occur nearby, the carcasses were likely removed intact or in pieces to a nearby longer-term campsite.86 This hunting-butchering strategy would have been particularly feasible when targeting medium-sized game, such as mule deer or antelope, both of which are commonly found across the Plateau.87

The reason why these playas may have been such attractive activity sites over time in part lies in their unique ecology. Playas contain biotic communities of water-tolerant bulrushes, sedge, and cattails that are distinct from the surrounding piñon-juniper forests of the Upper Sonoran life zone (7,500 ft).88 As a seasonal source of water, salt, and plant life, these playas would have consistently attracted a variety of fauna as well as humans to the area. As unique natural resource niches playas have functioned as persistent and specialized resource procurement places despite shifts in Indigenous mobility patterns over time.

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