5.1 FS-1 (El Gallo Site)

UTM: Zone 13R, E203XXX N3519XXX (NAD 27) [Redacted]

USGS Quadrangle: Victorio Ranch, NM

PLSS: SE ¼, NW ¼, SW ¼, Section 1, T29.5S R13W

Cultural Affiliation: Unknown Historic

Site Type: Earthenware Chicken Coop

Nearest Water Source: Unnamed tributary to Wamels Draw, 150 m NE

Soil type: Molniya clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes

Elevation: 1329 meters (4360 ft feet) amsl

Site Size: 5-meter diameter

NRHP Eligibility Recommendation: Unknown

Field Site-1 was first identified within visual inspection of the SW ¼ of Section 1 (T29.5S R13W) which MCD incorporates in this area. Survey transects at 30-m increments were traversed west (270°), perpendicular to the eastern MCD perimeter fence. The site was first identified as a large upended earthenware pot and associated artifact scatter approximately 580 m northwest of MCD Gate Pluto (Figures 5.1 and 5.2; Table 5.1).

FS-1, dubbed the Rooster (“El Gallo”) Site is lies adjacent a footpath on the flats north of the old road between the linking the abandoned town of Sierra Rica within MCD to the west, and Los Lamento, Mexico to the east. A local tributary to Wamels Draw lies 150 m to the northeast of FS-1. This stream flows seasonally under the MCD perimeter fence at a point 250 m north of the site; it exits the facility near MCD Gate Pluto. The vegetation in this portion of the base is primarily short grasses, creosotebush, and four-wing saltbush.

Figure 5.1. FS-1 shown in SW ¼, Section 1, T29.5S R13W.

Although identified on the surface, a shovel test was excavated within the center of the artifact scatter as well as at 10-m and 20-m increments in four cardinal directions. Soils were comparable to the expected NRCS designation for this area, Molniya clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes. Two general strata can be defined for the site as a whole:

•  Stratum I – 10 cm of dark brown (10YR 3/3) loam (A Horizon)

•  Stratum II – 10-25+ cm of brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) clay loam (Bt Horizon).

All nine tests were sterile of additional cultural material, however 175 historic ceramic sherds, 663 bone fragments, and a charcoal sample (n=23; 561.95 g) were collected from the surface (see Table 5.1).

FS-1 is comprised a large terra cotta water jug that has been possibly repurposed as a chicken coop. Such broken earthenware vessels have been documented in the southwest to be reused as chicken coops since the Classic Mayan period and through the twentieth century. A scatter of chicken remains (Gallus gallus domesticus.) within and about this large vessel seems to fit this interpretation. However the dating of the site and speculation on its function are problematic given the lack of chronologically diagnostic materials as well as the remarkable condition of the faunal assemblage. 

 

Table 5.1. Artifacts from surface collection of FS-1, El Gallo Site.

As large terra cotta water vessels have been used for millennia, the faunal collection provides more clues for conjecture. As no farms or livestock have been permitted within this area since the federal acquisition of the land in 1947, it is safe to assume the site is at least 65 years old, despite the well-preserved condition of the remains. It does not seem likely that local civilians would set up or maintain their poultry operation within the electrified MCD perimeter fence. As discussed in the history of the township and the facility in previous chapters; this perimeter was well established with the surrounding community, and protected by security patrols with deadly force.

Figure 5.2. General view of area surrounding FS-1, looking southeast towards MCD Gate Pluto.

The faunal collection taken at the site singularly includes the remains of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), with no other wild or domestic taxa represented. Although largely skeletal, the collection is well-preserved with many bones exhibiting desiccated muscle tissue and even remaining evidence of organ structures (e.g. brain, eye). Although perhaps the results of sampling bias, the assemblage appears to contain no postcranial remains; this would seem to indicate initial butchery of the chickens occurred at FS-1, whereas they were cleaned and consumed elsewhere. However the majority of the assemblage is also burned and or calcined, particularly all those specimens within the vessel, and a significant amount of burned mesquite surrounds the base of the vessel. In addition no obvious cut or butcher marks are evident. Based minimally on the presence of sclerotic rings (52 left; 5 right side) we reach a MNI of at least 52 birds represented. The relative numbers of maxillary bones supports this conclusion.

Regardless, given that the well preserved condition of the site on the desert floor, further investigations of FS-1 may provide valuable information on historic farming in Loteria Township and southern New Mexico in general. Particularly the existing and additional future collection of faunal materials may provide significant information of the historic diet and subsistence of farmsteads in this remote area.

However the NRHP eligibility of this site cannot be firmly established at the Phase I level of data collection. Further Phase II investigations, including additional documentation, sampling and research in animal husbandry and ceramic reuse in the southwestern desert, is required to fully assess this site’s potential significance. Therefore pending additional study, FS-1 remains of unknown eligibility for the NRHP.