UTM: Zone 13R, E200XXX N3519XXX (NAD 27) [Redacted]
USGS Quadrangle: Victorio
Ranch, NM
PLSS: NW ¼, SW ¼, NE ¼, Section 3, T29.5S R13W
Cultural Affiliation: Salado phase (A.D.1300-1450)
Site Type: Menstrual hut
Nearest
Water Source: Unnamed tributary to
Wamels Draw, 200 m NW
Environmental
Setting: Foothills/talus
Soil type: Molniya sand, rocky, 6 to 10 percent slopes
Elevation: 1450 m (475. ft) amsl
Site Size: 3 x 3-m
NRHP
Eligibility Recommendation: Unknown
Field
Site-3 was likely first identified within visual inspection of the NE ¼ of
Section 3 (T29.5S R13W) which MCD incorporates in this area. Survey transects
at 30-m increments were traversed south (180°), perpendicular to the northern
MCD perimeter fence. The site was first identified as a small masonry structure
set along the foothills of the Sierra Rica (Figures 5.5 and 5.6; Table 5.3). Other than this 10 x 10 ft cell, presumed to
be associated with the terminal Salado phase, no evidence of settlement was
identified in the field. Presumably due to the remoteness of this from a larger
pueblo, this isolated room served as a menstrual hut.[1]
The
site is located about 275 m south of the Sierra Rica Road. West of the former community,
the road meanders around the base of the mountain range before picking its way
south into a pass towards now long since abandoned mining camps. A foot path
leads south from the road and passes within 150 m east of the structure. The area surrounding FS-3, as all the terrain within
this great bend in the Sierra Rica Road is littered with limestone talus eroded
out of the adjacent peaks to the south. This rocky terrain is largely barren of
all vegetation.
 |
|
Figure 5.5. FS-3 shown in NE ¼, Section 3, T29.5S R13W.
|
The
structure itself is constructed of 10 tiers of dry laid, uncut limestone
blocks. The ample talus surrounding the site is presumed to be the source
material. It is approximately 3 m on a side. The roof is constructed of adobe
with cedar supports; they would have likely come from elsewhere, probably
higher along the trail in the mountain pass. It
has been chinked with adobe and mesquite bark. Notably the chinking has been so
expertly crafted as to absorb sound and reverberation creating a dead-effect
inside and muffling the sound to the outside.
This is likely related to the purity ritual, with the unclean cut off in
all senses from the outside. The overall effect is rather organic, and camouflages
the structure against the landscape rather effectively.[2]
Although recorded as a standing structure s shovel
tests were excavated at 10-m and 20-m increments in four cardinal directions
surrounding the hut. Observed soils were comparable to the expected NRCS
designation for this area, Molniya sand, very rocky, 6 to 10 percent slopes:
·
Stratum I – 10 cm of light olive brown (2.5YR 5/3) (C1 Horizon)
·
Stratum II – 10-50+ cm of dark gray (10YR 4/1) sand (C2 Horizon)
 |
|
Figure 5.6. General view of FS-3, looking east.
|
Bedrock was
typically reached before one –half meter of excavation at most, and in many
cases was exposed on the surface. No cultural material was identified in the
tests; however, a general surface collection was taken from inside the cell
(Table 5.3).
This was
mostly iron detritus, suggesting the structure dates to Late Salado period
where trade networks had access to Spanish and European trade goods. Although
the overall function of the cell, as noted, is obviously one of isolation, the
purpose of the collected iron implements is not evident. The structure may may
have been reused in the historic period.
 |
| Table 5.3. Artifacts from surface collection of FS-3, La Dama Site. |
Although
the practice of separation of menstruating women from the general populace of
the pueblo is poorly documented in the historic record, it is believed to have
occurred throughout the desert southwest and with many cultures, past and
present, worldwide, from the blood pits of the ancient Syrians to the mikvahs
of modern Brooklyn (Blavatsky 1999:1145)[3].
Although this practice had not been yet documented in historic Loteria
Township, it is in truth not a surprising find.
Further investigations of FS-3 may
provide valuable information on the ritual
life Salado peoples, which was likely rich and highly evolved. Particularly, more close examination, including full scale
excavation or metal detector sweeps of the cell and its environs for the recovery
of more artifactual evidence, may prove illuminating.
Regardless, 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 native ritual, and patriarchal structure in the southwestern
desert, is required to fully assess this site’s potential significance.
Therefore pending additional study, FS-3 remains of unknown eligibility for the
NRHP.
