The Kuykendall Draw Aite

BLM archaeologist Bruce Boeke uses
the GPS to pinpoint the location of one
of the thermal features in Locus C
where radiocarbon dates produced
evidence of an occupation in the 1400s.

A structure outline is indicated by a
clearing and rock alignments that are
barely visible. Five such outlines are
present on the site in two different areas.
This one had a protohistoric projectile
point associated, but this point was
stolen from the site before it could be
collected. According to Bruce Boeke it
looked very much like the one shown
above, but was made of white chert.

Another structure outline is visible as a
clearing and flat area on the slope with
a partial rock outline.

Small triangular arrow point, typical
of many mobile groups of the terminal
prehistoric and historic periods.

This site was recently found by BLM archaeologist Bruce Boeke during compliance work. After running several
radiocarbon dates it was confirmed that it was a protohistoric mobile group site rather than (or in addition to)
Archaic as the presence of an Archaic dart point suggested. Additional work has revealed more evidence of this
terminal prehistoric component. The dates all overlap in the 1430s, corroborating early dates for sites related to
non-Athapaskan mobile groups elsewhere further west in the southern Southwest.

Not much to look at, but this tiny piece of freshwater bivalve provides important
information on the subsistence pursuits of the temporary residents of this site. The rich
riparian habitat of the adjacent arroyo provided nuts and berries, whereas yucca and cacti
are scattered across the terrain. The area is a focal point for many faunal species,
including both cottontails and jackrabbits. This clam may have been obtained from the
Pecos River or perhaps from portions of Dark Canyon when it was a perennial stream.