5.3 FS-3 (La Dama Site)

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.

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[1] And thus rather unceremoniously named “La Dama” site by the crew, with the apologies of the Principal Investigator. [fjt]

[2] “Almost stumbled upon it.” is the phrase, I note is used the crew field books. [fjt]

[3] Blavatsky, H. 1999.  Ancient Ritual and the Sacred Feminine.  Hermetic Press, London.