Survey of the Homolovi Ruins State Park

ABSTRACT

The intensive survey of about 13 square miles in the Homolovi Ruins State Park has documented more than 300 prehistoric sites. The survey shows a higher site density than expected, and indicates the long-term use of the middle Little Colorado River Valley. Evidence exists for a low-intensity use of the region during the Paleo-Indian and Archaic periods, but more intensive occupations occurred at three relatively distinct times between the late Basketmaker III (A.D. 750 to 900) and early Pueblo IV (A.D. 1300 to 1400) periods. Between these intensive occupations, the area was probably occupied infrequently or abandoned, perhaps for environmental reasons. Each occupation saw the development of various land-use strategies, especially those related to raising crops.