Vandalism at South Mountain: Disappointing Discoveries in Phoenix

Vandalism at South Mountain: Disappointing Discoveries in Phoenix
A few weeks ago, I decided to revisit a couple of the petroglyph panels we recorded a decade ago. I was hoping to get some new, higher-resolution photographs, and I was really anxious to see one of the more impressive and interesting panels, which bears over 70 petroglyphs on a single face. Words can’t capture the disappointment I felt when I turned the corner and saw the scream of bright pink paint on this once-pristine petroglyph panel. It’s apparent that the graffitist attempted to avoid covering any of the petroglyphs, placing their tag at the far top left of the boulder rather than smack dab in the middle. Their aim was off, though, and the pink hideousness still covers part of one of the glyphs. http://bit.ly/2gPt3Ts – Archaeology Southwest

The Guardian Celebrates 50 Years of the National Historic Preservation Act
In the wake of the second world war, the US embarked on a construction frenzy that began decimating the country’s existing urban fabric. The federal government encouraged much of this Make-America-Shiny-Again activity through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Many people, however, were concerned with the onslaught of destruction, and rightfully so. In response, in 1966 Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in to law. The act attempted to keep federal agencies in check and ensure that they considered the impact of their actions on historic properties, including archaeological sites. This year the NHPA turned 50, and as 2016 comes to a close, I thought this tiny piece of legislation, what I often think of as archaeology’s best kept secret, should be recognized and celebrated. http://bit.ly/2hWJYIK -The Guardian

Fracking Chaco – An Update: BLM and BIA Extend Comment Period for Mineral Leasing and Development Effort
The general public and Navajo tribal members are highly encouraged to participate in the public scoping period where environmental issues (including potential impacts associated with hydraulic fracturing) will be presented. Additional information is available online at https://on.doi.gov/2gPEIBN.

Groundbreaking Crow Canyon Occasional Papers Series Now Free Online
The Occasional Papers of the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, a highly sought-after five-volume series published by the Center from 1989–1995, are now available for free on the Crow Canyon website. The volumes include important contributions to archaeological research by Crow Canyon staff and research associates—including an influential volume on communal architecture in the Pueblo Southwest, edited by Bill Lipe and Michelle Hegmon; the first series of publications from the Sand Canyon Archaeological Project; the site report for Crow Canyon’s excavations of the Duckfoot Site—one of the most thoroughly documented Pueblo I occupations in the Four Corners region—and Ricky Lightfoot’s authoritative doctoral dissertation on household archaeology at Duckfoot; and Michelle Hegmon’s highly influential doctoral dissertation connecting pottery style to social dynamics at local and regional scales across the Pueblo Southwest. For many years, Crow Canyon has sold printed copies of the Occasional Papers, and we are proud every time we see a volume on our colleagues’ bookshelves. However, several of the volumes are now out of print, which is limiting access for researchers and the public alike—especially for the next generation of scholars who often prefer digital access. To improve access to these important scholarly contributions, the Research Institute at Crow Canyon has digitized each of the Occasional Papers and posted them for free download as searchable PDFs. We hope researchers and the public will find insight from these publications for many years to come. The Occasional Papers are available at http://www.crowcanyon.org/access-our-research/occasional-papers. Select printed volumes are still available for purchase in the gift shop on the Crow Canyon campus.

Chaco Canyon-Themed Hotel to Open in Albuqureque
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town’s sister property Hotel Chaco will open in April 2017 in Old Town Albuquerque. The luxury hotel, inspired by the architecture and ancient civilization of Chaco Canyon, marks the first from-the-ground-up design/build project from Heritage Hotels & Resorts. Hotel Chaco topped off in August and the exterior façade is scheduled for completion in January 2017. It will share a pool, the ballrooms and a wedding chapel with the adjacent Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. Renowned chef Mark Miller will consult on the concept for Hotel Chaco’s rooftop restaurant, Level 5, named in the honor of Chaco Canyon’s legendary five-story Pueblo Bonito. Level 5 can accommodate up to 250 guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while also providing room service. http://bit.ly/2gPDnuL – Commercial Property Executive

CityLab Argues for More Diversity in Historic Preservation
These powers of place to inform identity and create community are particularly important in the United States. Americans are bound together not by blood or common ancestry but by a commitment to the same democratic ideals and the democratic story we tell ourselves. So we have to ensure that all Americans can see themselves in it. Because cities have been the crucible of the American melting pot for centuries, there’s a certain elegance to Americans simultaneously becoming a more urban and diverse people. We need to make sure, though, that existing communities of color continue to play a thriving role in our cities’ future and that they aren’t being pushed out by this boom in urban redevelopment. http://bit.ly/2gPCvX3 – CityLab

Travelogue: Tava’atsi Trail Petroglyphs
The amount of petroglyphs in this area always surprises me. I’ve been to many of the big sites but it seems like I’m always discovering new pieces of ancient rock art. Apparently I even discover them when I’m supposedly leading the hike. It’s Tuesday afternoon and I’m staring at one of the most beautiful petroglyphs I’ve seen. I’ve walked past it a few times in the past and never even knew it was here. We’re pretty close to the center of the Tempi’po’op (Rock Writing) Trail in the Santa Clara Desert Reserve. http://bit.ly/2hWMiiV – The Spectrum

Learn More about Navajo Beadwork at Casa Grande National Monument
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is featuring Navajo beadwork artist Priscilla Bahe in the visitor center atrium area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 23rd, 24th and 26th. Ms. Bahe will demonstrate natural stone and seed beadwork throughout the day, and have her colorful and vibrant creations available for purchase. Bahe also works with semi-precious stones, which are all hand-made, strung with wire and beaded with sterling silver. There is no additional fee for the special presentation, but visitors must enter the visitor center and pay the usual park entrance fees. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument protects the multi-story Great House and the ruins of other ancient structures built by the people of the Sonoran Desert over 800 years ago. Established as the nation’s first archeological reserve in 1892, the Ruins sparked the beginning of the archeological preservation movement in America. The Monument is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Directions and additional information are available on the Monument’s website, http://www.nps.gov/cagr, you may call (520) 723-3172, or follow us on Facebook by searching for Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

Lecture Opportunity – Cortez
The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society is pleased to present Janet Lever-Wood on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the Methodist Church, 515 Park Street, Cortez, CO to discuss Recording rock art on the San Juan river, SE Utah.  Janet discusses the extensive volunteer rock art recording project, headed by Ann Phillips and photographer Dave Manley, along the San Juan River in southeast Utah. Contact Kari Schleher at 505-269-4475 with questions.