Southwest Archaeology Today for March 6, 2009

Southwest Archaeology Making the News – A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

– From Pueblo to Cul-de-Sac – Forgotten Albuquerque: Dennis Herrick, a slight, active man in his late 50s, stands on the ridge of a sand hill and gestures down over a low wall toward a strangely empty lot in one of Bernalillo’s largest subdivisions. “So, there, probably where that cul-de-sac is, that was the plaza,” he says, with the confidence of a man who has studied the archaeological record and pinpointed these features on his GPS. “Or, actually, because of the gravel quarry, the plaza was some thirty feet above the cul-de-sac. And over there, by the white sign, that was one of the kivas.”
http://www.dukecityfix.com/profiles/blogs/forgotten-albuquerque

– The 2009 Arizona Historic Preservation Partnership Conference Rolls On! Lately there have been a lot of persistent rumors regarding possible cancellation of the 2009 Preservation Conference. Due to the tremendous response from the preservation community and the generosity of our sponsors so far, the Conference Planning Committee has decided to move ahead with the Conference. But, we could still use some help. How can you help? The easiest thing you can do is simply register for the Conference. Although the money we receive from our partners and sponsors helps our cause, it is the registration fees that pay for over 50% of our conference expenses.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/az_pres_conference_continues.pdf
http://www.azpreservation.com

– 2009 American Rock Art Research Association Conference Scheduled: Bakersfield, California will be the setting for the 36th annual conference of the American Rock Art Research Association (ARARA), to convene May 22 – 25, 2009. The Bakersfield region is homeland to several Native American tribes, and the cultural evidence of the prehistoric inhabitants is abundant throughout the area.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/2009_arara_conf.pdf

– Apache Artist Honored for Work with Traditional Violins: Anthony Belvado was awarded for two first place ribbons at the Southwest Indian Art Fair by the Arizona State Museum for his artwork of the Apache Violin. He competed against hundreds of other artists to win the prize. Dating back to the 1800s the making of the Apache Violin has been passed down throughout the generations. The art form was taught to Anthony by his late grandfather Salton Reede, Sr. Anthony has been making the traditional Apache Violins for the past ten years and is now in the process of sharing the art with his grandsons.
http://www.silverbelt.com/articles/2009/03/04/apache_moccasin/apache9.txt

– Arizona Archaeology Month in the Verde Valley: Combine the fact that March is Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month and that few places in the state are as rich in reminders of the past than the Verde Valley and you have cause for celebration. Which is precisely what Arizona State Parks, Verde Valley Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society Arizona, Coconino National Forest and the National Park Service are planning to do.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/grkc – CV Bugle.com

– Ancient Human Remains Found During Construction in Aztec NM: Archaeologists have excavated centuries-old remains of at least seven people discovered during work on a wastewater treatment plant for the community of Aztec, N.M. Scientists estimate the bones are at least 700 years old, based on pottery and other artifacts found near them.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/ijxp – Fox News AZ

– Arizona Closes Recently Constructed State Archives Building: The new, $29 million Polly Rosenbaum State Archives and History Building Reading Room that opened late last year has closed until further notice — another victim of state budget cuts.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/fwtx – Phoenix New Times

– Travelogue – Education Vacation in the American Southwest: The American Southwest bursts with potential for exploration, and offers opportunities to learn about Native American groups, particularly the Hopi and Anasazi. Discover what it’s like to drive the Trail of the Ancients scenic byway, plan a day trip to New Mexico’s Chaco Culture National Historical Park or create an itinerary for the Four Corners, a hotbed of Native American history and culture.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/dvoo – Finding Dulcinea