Site 175 (Drawing: One, Two, Three A, Three B, Transit Points, Coordinate Grid)

Site 175 is located on the far southern edge of the Naco valley, ca. 400m north of the basin's southern escarpments. Site 470 is 250m to the west while Site 471 lies 275m to the north. La Sierra is about 3.4km to the north. Site 175, like Sites 470 and 471, occupies relatively level terrain atop a terrace overlooking the Quebrada de Agua Sucia ca. 350m to the north. The settlement had not been seriously damaged when the site was excavated from March 27-May 11, 1995. Mechanized plowing in fields to the north and west (where Sites 470 and 471 are located) strongly suggested that this fortunate situation would not long endure. Efforts were, therefore, devoted to investigating as many of the site's twelve surface-visible structures as possible; eight ultimately being at least partially cleared. These constructions are arranged around three closely spaced plazas that together cover roughly 3,800m2. The largest of the buildings, Str. 175-6, rises 1.65m above modern ground surface whereas the remaining edifices are 0.2-1m high. Fully 339m2 were excavated here under the direction of Nicholas Gevock, Cecile Gevock-Delahaye, and Michael Kneppler.

Structure 175-1 (Plans: Lot, Detailed, Profile)

Structure 175-1 occupies the northwest corner of the northern patio. It is 2m north of Str. 175-2 and 1m west of Str. 175-8; Str. 175-3 is 7.5m to the south and across the plaza. Excavations conducted here within Subop. 175H exposed 26m2, digging being carried down to maximum depths of 0.31m and 0.4m outside and within construction, respectively. One building phase was revealed in the course of this work directed by M. Kneppler.

Time Span	Construction Phase	Units	Strata	Features	Date
1	-	-	S.2	-
2	Str. 175-1-1st	U.1-17	-	-	LCLIII/II
3	-	-	S.1	F.7

Time Span 1

The earliest activity attested to in Str. 175-1-1st's vicinity involved that natural deposition of Stratum 2. Stratum 2 was exposed to a maximum thickness of 0.22m (its base was not encountered) and runs beneath TS. 2 architecture. This soil layer ascends 0.18m over the 2.4m it was exposed running west-to-east towards Str. 175-1-1st.

Time Span 2

Structure 175-1-1st is a diminutive stone-faced platform against which are built several surface-level rooms. The building's core is bounded by basal facings (U.1-4) that ascend 0.18m to the earthen-floored summit. That summit measures 0.8m north-south by 1.6m east-west. A 0.1m-high stone-faced shelf (U.14) occupies the enclosure's eastern half, covering 0.8m north-south by 0.8m east-west. The platform's fill consists of soil in which a few small stones are embedded (U.13).

At least six small, earthen-floored cubicles defined by low, 0.15-0.7m-wide stone foundations were built against the platform's north, east, and south sides. The northern example, defined by U.7, 6, and the platform's north facing (U.3), covers 0.5x0.6m and is open to the west. On the east, a compartment covering 0.46x0.7m and open to the north is delimited by U.11, 8, and the platform's east flank (U.2). Unit 11 is a low but variably broad construction that is roughly triangular in shape with its base (1.3m across) on the north and apex to the south; U.11 intersects the core platform's southeast corner. Unit 11 may have doubled as a support for perishable upper walls and an elevated work or living surface associated with rooms to the north and west. In the latter direction U.11 bounds an enclosure on the east that is delimited by U.15, 12, 17, and 4 on the south, west, and north. The space thus defined encompasses 0.6-1.1m east-west by 1.2m north-south (the room widens from north to south). A 0.1m-wide gap in the cubicle's southwest corner may have provided some ventilation but was certainly not ample enough to serve as a doorway. Yet another compartment lies immediately south of the aforementioned room. This enclosure is bounded by U9, 12, 15, and 16 and measures 1.15x1.2m and may have been open to the south; its eastern foundation (U..16) was not fully exposed. Lying immediately west of U.9 is an enclosure defined by U.10 and 17 on the north. This space covers 1.3x1.4m and was seemingly open to both the south and west. Bordering the above-noted room on the north is a cubicle delimited by U.10, 17, and 4. The space thus defined measures 0.6x0.88m and is open to the west. Unit 17, like U.11 to the east, stands out from other constructions surrounding the platform for its unusually large extent ( 1.1m wide-east-west by 1.4m long north-south on its longest dimension). It may well be that U.11 served as a raised work or living space associated with the use of the rooms bordering it to the east, south, and west.

Overall, Str. 175-1-1st's central platform is a stone-faced, earth-and-stone-filled construction that stood 0.18m high, measured 1.8x3m, and was oriented roughly 82 degrees, 30 minutes. The summit covers 1.28m2, its eastern half covered by a 0.1m-high stone-faced and -surfaced shelf that looks west towards the earthen floor that covers the remainder of this area. Bordering the platform on all sides save the west are six small, earthen-floored cubicles delimited by low stone foundations. These compartments measure 0.3m2, 0.3m2, 1m2, 1.4m2, 1.8m2, and 0.5m2 (moving clockwise from north to south) and are usually open on at least one of their sides; one of the southern rooms is the exception as it is completely surrounded by low walls. The eastern, southern, and western rooms incorporate relatively substantial stone-faced and -surfaced raised areas that may have served as benches or shelves associated with the use of these compartments. All walls, raised work areas, and the shelf are constructed of unmodified river cobbles set in an earth mortar.

Time Span 3

Following abandonment, Str. 175-1-1st was almost completely covered by S.1, a root-rich soil that accumulated to a thickness of 0.07-0.16m. Embedded in S.1 is a very light scattering of small to medium-size stones that had fallen from final-phase architecture (F.1). Feature 1 was traced west of Str. 175-1-1st for 1.5m.

Structure 175 (Plans: Detailed, Profile, Transit Point)

Structure 175-2 closes off the west side of the patio bordered by Str. 175-1 on the north. The later is 2m to the north, while Str. 175-9 is 7.5m across the plaza to the east. Excavations conducted here within Subop. 175B cleared 27m2, digging being pursued to a maximum depth of 0.5m below modern ground surface. One building phase was recognized in the course of clearing Str. 175-2 completely. The work was directed by M. Kneppler.

 

Time Span	Construction Phase	Units	Strata	Features	Date
1	Str. 175-2-Sub 1	U.1	-	-	LCLII?
2	Str. 175-2-1st	U.2-4, 6, 7	-	-	LCLIII/II?
3	Str. 175-2-1st	U.5, 8-10	-	-	LCLIII/II
4	-	-	S.1	F.1

Time Span 1

Structure 175-2-Sub1 is represented by a cobble wall (U.1) that was noted in the earthen floor of Str. 175-2-1st's western room. Unit 1 projects 0.35m east from under U.7, the later compartment's western foundation, before turning south for 0.6m. At this point U.1 extends an additional 0.35m to the east before running south for 2.1m where it disappears beneath U.3, the building's southern footing. In general, the alignment of U.1 is ca. 182 degrees. The architectural significance of U.1 is unclear; it most likely is the remnant of an earlier surface-level building that was mostly razed during the erection of Str. 175-2-1st.

Time Span 2

Structure 175-2-1st is a surface-level earthen-floored building containing two rooms set in an east-west line and delimited by low (0.2m high), 0.3-0.6m wide stone foundations (U.2-4, 7). A 0.6m-wide gap in the western room's northeast corner provided access between the compartments. The western room measures 1.5x3.25m and, at this point, contains no built-in furniture. East of U.4 there is a second compartment that encompasses 1.4x3.25m and is open to the east. The north and south sides of this room are delimited by extensions of U.2 and 3 which border the west room on these flanks. At some point during the occupation sequence a substantial stone block (U.6) measuring 0.6-1m across (expanding from south to north) was placed on the east side of the eastern room. Unit 6 is 1.6m long north-south and partially seals Str. 175-2-1st's east entrance; gaps that are 0.3m and 1.3m wide remained in the cubicles northeast and southeast corners, respectively. The space to which they provided passage now covered 0.9x3.25m.

Overall, by the conclusion of TS. 2, Str. 175-2-1st was a surface-level, earthen-floored building containing two rooms arranged in an east-west line. These compartments were defined by low stone foundations that likely supported perishable upper walls. The western enclosure measured 4.9m2 while its eastern analogue covered 4.6m2. The eastern compartment was open on its eastern, plaza-facing side whereas the western cubicle was reached by passing through the eastern room and a narrow doorway in the western room's northeast corner. At some point in this sequence most of the eastern room's east flank was filled by the construction of a free-standing foundation that left 0.3m- and 1.3m-wide doors in the compartment's northeast and southeast corners. This renovation reduced the eastern room's area to 2.9m2. Structure 175-2-1st altogether encompassed 4.2x4.4m and was aligned roughly 88 degrees, 30 minutes. All footings were made from unmodified river cobbles set in a mud mortar.

Time Span 3

This interval is marked by several modifications visited on Str. 175-2-1st. Unit 4, that foundation which separated the eastern and western rooms, was apparently expanded 0.35m to the north, thereby narrowing the gap by which the western enclosure was reached to 0.25m. Such a narrow passage may have provided ventilation for the western room but not an effective doorway. At about this time another wall (U.5) was erected within the western cubicle. Unit 5 runs roughly parallel to U.4 and is separated from the latter by 0.3-0.7m, the distance widening from north to south. Unit 5 ends 0.3m shy of the northern foundation (U.2) and is only 0.3m wide. The architectural significance of U.5 is unclear; that its north end matches that of the renovated U.4 implies that whatever air passed through the room's northeast corner was being funneled further west over and past U.5's north end. Whatever its purpose, the addition of U.5 divided the western room into two narrow compartments each 3.25m long and 0.75m and 0.45m wide (measured across the approximate centers of the western and eastern cubicles, respectively).

Changes made to the east are less striking than those noted in the western portion of Str. 175-2-1st. A block of stone (U.8) measuring 0.7m east-west was appended to the east end of Str. 175-2-1st's northern footing (U.2). Unit 8 projects 0.55m north of U.2's east end. Unit 10, in turn, is a 1.85m-long (east-west) by 0.5m wide (north-south) stone construction that runs along the south side of U.3, the structures's southern footing. Both U.3 and 10 end at the same point on the east where they intersect U.9. The latter is a poorly preserved construction that extends U.3's north face 0.9m further to the east and measures 1.1m north-south (across its center). The ultimate outcome of constructing U.9 and 10 was to convert that portion of U.3 that bordered the eastern room into a relatively wide footing encompassing roughly 1m across north-south.

Structure 175-2-1st, by the conclusion of TS. 3, retained its original dimensions and orientation. Its western room, however, was now seemingly less accessible than it had been in TS. 2 and was subdivided into two parallel, narrow spaces covering approximately 2.4m2 and 1.5m2. No clear doorway leading into the spaces thus defined was noted though narrow (0.25-0.3m wide) slits in the foundations would have permitted the flow of air from the eastern compartment across the north side of both western cubicles. It may be that the above-noted modifications to the western room signal a change in its functions. On the east, additions made to the northern and southern footings widened these boundary walls to some extent. These modifications, too, could signal a change in the array of behaviors pursued in the eastern room, though what the relationship between architectural modifications and activities might have been is abundantly unclear.

Time Span 1

After abandonment, Str. 175-2-1st was almost completely covered by the natural deposition of a root-rich brown soil (S.1). Stratum 1, which accumulated to thicknesses of 0.32-0.4m, contains a few scattered stones that were dislodged from final-phase architecture (F.1). The paucity of these fallen rocks implies that the walls supported by Str. 175-2-1st's footings incorporated few stones.

Structure 175-3 (Plans: Lot, Detailed, Profile)

Structure 175-3 bounds the south side of the northern plaza. It lies roughly 1m southeast of Str. 175-2 and 7.5m south, and across the plaza, from Str. 175-1. Structure 175-3 also faces into the central plaza, lying 9m west and across that space from Str. 176-6, the largest building at the settlement. Digging here with Subop. 175E uncovered approximately 46m2 in the process of clearing the entire building. Digging was pursued to maximum depths of 0.31m and 0.6m below modern ground surface outside and within construction, respectively. One building phase was recognized in the course of this work directed by M. Kneppler.

Time Span 1

Structure 175-3-1st is a stone-faced platform that is bounded on all sides by basal facings that rise to the summit in a single step of 0.32-0.36m (U.1-7). The building's perimeter is irregular; its northern facade steps in (south) twice (0.4m and 0.3m) from east to west while on the west, south, and east the basal walls step out 0.3m, 0.85m, and 0.45m, respectively. The significance of these deviations from straight walls is uncertain, though the upshot was to create unusually broad basal facings on the south (U.7, 1.3m across) and east (U.1, 1m wide). Fill retained by these walls consists of medium to small stones set in an earth matrix (U.20).

The summit is divided into four rooms of variable sizes, one each in the northeast, northwest, southwest, and southeast quadrants. These spaces are divided from each other by low, 0.2-0.5m wide stone foundations for perishable upper walls (U.8, 14, 21, and 22). Structure 175-3-1st's basal facings likely served as footings for similar walls except in the case of the northwest room that apparently was left open on the west and north. The southwest room encompasses 1.2x1.5m and is surfaced with a stone pavement (U.10). Its eastern neighbor covers 1.45x1.6m and is also surfaced with stone (U.9). Neither of these compartments contains clear built-in furniture, though the especially wide basal facings that border them (U.4, 6, and 7; 0.75-1.3m across) may have served as benches/shelves and foundations for impermanent upper walls as well as fill retaining walls. A shallow, 0.3m-wide dip (U.16) in the preserved top of U.1 in the northeast corner of the southeast room was noted. Unit 16 extends from U.1's exterior face completely across the wall (1.4m) and issues into the compartment. What this declivity signifies is unclear, though it may have provided ventilation for the southeast enclosure and its contents.

The northeast and northwest rooms have earthen floors and are subdivided by the construction of east-west running foundations (U.12 and 13). Unit 12 is 0.3m wide and runs 0.8m east into the northeast room from its intersection with the compartment's western footing (U.21). Construction of U.12 divided a space measuring 1.3x2.1m into two cubicles set in a north-south line; the northern example covers 0.6x1.3m and the southern encompasses 1.2x1.3m. A gap measuring 0.4m across between U.12 and the room's eastern boundary (U.1) likely provided passage between these two enclosures. The northwest compartment is subdivided by the east-west running U.13. That wall measures 0.2m across and extends 0.9m from its intersection with U.21. As was the case on the east, the northwest enclosure (which covers 1.8x2.3m) was thus converted into two cubicles arranged in a north-south line; the northern one measuring 0.7x1.5-2.3m (Str. 175-3-1st ‘s northwest corner is inset) while its southern counterpart covers 0.9x2.3m. Unit 13 ends 1.35m shy of the room's western margin, creating an ample passageway between the northern and southern compartments. As noted above, the northwest room is open to the north and west. Its eastern analogue, however, is bounded on all sides save the south by stone foundations. The latter flank provided direct access into the southeast room. The considerable width of the platform's eastern basal facing (U.1) where it borders the northeast room (1m across) hints at its use as a bench running the entire 2.1m length of that compartment. No other hints of built-in furniture were recorded within the northern rooms.

By the conclusion of TS. 2, Str.175-3-1st was a stone-faced, stone-and-earth-filled platform that stood 0.32-0.36m high, encompassed 5.1x5.53m (measured across its approximate center), and was aligned roughly due north-south. The superstructure consisted of four major rooms occupying the summit's northeast, northwest, southwest, and southeast quadrants and separated from each other by low stone footings for now-decayed upper walls. The two southwestern enclosures were surfaced with stone and measure 1.8m2 and 2.3m2. Those portions of the basal facings bordering these compartments are especially wide (0.75-1.3m across) and may have served, in part, as benches and/or shelves. A 0.3m-wide shallow depression breaches the northeast corner of the southeast room. This enigmatic construction might have helped ventilate the enclosure. The northeast and northwest rooms encompass 2.7m2 and 4.1m2, respectively, but are each subdivided into pairs of cubicles set in north-south lines. In the former case the spaces measure 0.8m2 and 1.6m2 while in the latter they cover 1.3m2 and 2.1m2. In both instances the northern cubicle is the smaller of the dyad. The northwest room (both its northern and southern segments) is the most accessible portion of the superstructure, being open over the low basal facings to the north and west. The remaining three enclosures are surrounded by low footings. Movement between the northeast and southeast compartments was relatively easy while in the other cases no signs of doors linking adjacent rooms or leading to the exterior were noted. All walls and floors were made of unmodified stones set in a mud mortar.

Time Span 2

This interval is characterized by slight changes made to Str. 175-3-1st's perimeter. Unit 11, one of these renovations, is a 0.2m wide addition made to the southern 1.3m of the platform's western basal facing (U.4). This modification enlarged the width of U.4, the wall bordering the southwest room's west side, from 0.75-0.95m. Unit 15 is a 0.8m-wide construction that projects 0.35m north from Str. 175-3-1st's northeast corner. Units 17 and 18,in turn, are parts of a poorly understood stone construction that was appended to the platform's southeast corner. Unit 17 is a wall that extends 1m east from U.6, 1.25m north of Str. 175-3-1st's southeast corner. Unit 18 turns southward from its junction with U.17's east end, running for at least 0.75m (its southern terminus was not uncovered). The significance of these walls is abundantly unclear; they may be remnants of foundations from a surface-level building raised against Str. 175-3-1st's east flank. None of these additions significantly transformed Str. 175-3-1st's form or dimensions.

Unit 19 is located 0.3m northwest of Str. 175-3-1st's northwest corner, nearly midway between this building and Str. 175-2-1st. This construction is a ring of stones that defines a circle with an interior diameter of 1.1m. The perimeter is defined by walls roughly 0.2m across whereas the center is open and was likely surfaced with earth. There was no clear evidence of U.19's function.

Time Span 3

Following abandonment, Str. 175-3-1st was almost completely covered by S.1 which accumulated up to 0.43m thick. Embedded within S.1 is a light to moderately dense concentration of stones dislodged from final-phase architecture (F.1).

Structure 175-4 (Plans: Lot, Profile A, Profile B)

Structure 175-4 defines the south side of the central plaza. It is approximately 3m southeast of Str. 175-3 and 11m south of, and across the patio from, Str. 175-9. Digging here within Subop. 175C and F uncovered ca. 64m2. Excavations were pursued to maximum depths of 0.81 and 0.91m below modern ground surface outside and within construction, respectively. One building phase was revealed in the course of this work directed by M. Kneppler.

 

Time Span	Construction Phase	Units	Strata	Features	Date
1	-	-	S.1	-
2	Str. 175-4-1st	U.1-11, 17, 18	-	-	LCLIII/II
3	Str. 175-4-1st	U.12-16	-	-	LCLIII/II
3	-	-	S.1	F.1

Time Span 1

At least 0.22m of S.1 was laid down prior to construction of Str. 175-4-1^st. The base of this layer was not encountered in our excavations.

Time Span 2

Structure 175-4-1^st is a platform that is ascended on all sides by stone facings that rise in one step to the summit (U.1-4). Fill contained by U.1-4 consists of soil in which a very few small to medium-size stones are embedded (U.17). The building is lower on the north (U.1, 0.23m high) than on the south (U.3, 0.87m high). This discrepancy results, in large part, from the manner in which Str. 175-4-1^st's summit steps up from south to north. That summit is divided into two major sections set in a north-south line. The lower, northern segment consists of three distinct spaces organized in an east-west line. The central portion is an earthen-floored compartment measuring 1.2 and 1.5m north-south by 3.4m east-west and open to the north towards the plaza. This room is bounded on the east (U.7) and south (U.5 and 6) by stone foundations standing 0.2-0.65m high and 0.35-0.65m wide. Unit 6 steps out 0.3m north of the line followed by U.5 on the east, thus accounting for the variation in the central room's north-south dimension. Immediately to the east of the central room is a stone pavement (U.8) covering 1.2x2.45m and open to the north and east. Unit 8 is separated from the central enclosure by U.7. Bordering the latter room on the west is another stone surface (U.9), this time encompassing 1.1x1.25m and open on the north and west. Unit 6 defines the pavement's south side whereas there is no obstruction impeding passage between U.9 and the central enclosure.

The earthen floor of the southern room is 0.43m above that of its northern counterpart and the two spaces are divided by 0.43m-high by 0.3m-wide foundation (U.18) that runs the full east-west width of the platform. The southern room covers 2.15x5m and contains a 0.25m-high bench in its northeast corner. This construction is built against U.18 and U.4 on the north and east, respectively, while U.10 and 11 bound the bench on the south and west. The bench measures 1.3x2.7m. Unit 4, Str. 175-4-1^st's east basal wall, is unusually wide where it borders the southern room; measuring 1.35m across in contrast to the other basal walls that are 0.3-0.8m wide. It may be that U.4 here doubled as a support for the superstructure's eastern wall and as a part of the U.10/11 bench. If so, then the bench would have been L-shaped, its stem projecting 0.85m south from its intersection with the east-west-running leg.

Overall, Str. 175-4-1^st is a stone-faced, primarily earth-filled platform that rises 0.23m and 0.87m high on the north and south, respectively, encompasses 6.1x6.9m, and is aligned roughly 7 degrees. The superstructure consists of three distinct spaces arrayed in an east-west line across the building's lower, northern summit. The central of these spaces in earthen-floored and encompasses 6.6m2. Flanking it on the east and west are stone pavements covering 2.9m2 and 1.4m2m, in turn; passage between the central room and western pavement is unobstructed whereas a low stone foundation divides that room from the eastern pavement. All three of the northern summit spaces face out to the plaza on the north. The southern portion of the summit sits 0.43m above the northern rooms and consists of a large earthen-floored enclosure that encompasses 10.8m2. A 0.25m-high stone-faced bench measuring 1.3x2.7m fills the enclosure's northeast corner. Structure 175-4-1^st's eastern basal wall is particularly wide where it bounds the southern compartment (1.35m across) and may have served as part of that bench. As opposed to its northern analogue, the southern room is relatively inaccessible, being completely surrounded by the superstructure's walls. All walls and foundations that make up the platform were fashioned of tuff stones set in a mud mortar. The flat faces of these rocks are directed outwards; several of the stones may have been artificially modified to create those flat surfaces.

Time Span 3

During the interval Str. 175-4-1^st retained its original dimensions, orientation, and summit architecture. Changes made now consist of small additions to the building's perimeter. On the south, a low, ca. 0.9m-wide stone block (U.15) projects 0.95m south from the approximate center of the platform's southern basal facing (U.3). A similar, if more diminutive, construction was appended to the building's east side. Here, a 0.95m-wide (north-south) stone step (U.16) projects 0.25m east from U.4. Unit 16 would have provided direct access to the U.8 pavement at the latter's southeast corner. Units 12 and 13 together comprise a stone block that, combined, runs 1.7m east-west and extends 0.8m north from a point just 0.2m shy of Str. 175-4-1^st's northeast corner. What distinguishes these two adjoining constructions is the materials with which they are capped; U.12 on the west is surfaced with stone (1x0.8m) while U.13 is topped with earth (0.7x0.8m). Lying 1m west of U.12 is a low, 0.25m wide stone wall (U.14) that runs for at least 0.6m north of its abutment with the platform's northern basal facing (U.1). It is not clear that we uncovered U.14's north end.

Units 12, 13, 15, and 16 may have been steps that provided access to the southern room (U.15) and the northeast summit pavement (U.12, 13, and 16). Why a formal step was needed to reach the low, southern portion of the summit is unclear and it is possible that U.12 and 13, in particular, played another role. They might, together with U.14 on the west, have defined a formal entryway into Str. 175-4-1^st's central, northern room. Time Span 3, therefore, sees the construction of several very simple access features leading to the southern summit enclosure and northeast pavement. Units 12-14, on the other hand, may be parts of a more elaborate effort to channel traffic onto the platform's northern summit. Constructions raised during TS. 3 were fashioned using the same sorts of tuff stones set in a mud mortar as were described for TS. 2 architecture.

Time Span 4

Following abandonment, deposition of S.1 resumed. This soil eventually covered all but the uppermost portions of construction, accumulating to an estimated maximum thickness of 0.68m. Embedded in upper S.1 above and off the flanks of Str. 175-4-1^st is a light concentration of medium to small stones dislodged from final-phase architecture (F.1). Feature 1 was traced for 1.7m and 0.45m south and north of the building, respectively.

Structure 175-6 (Plans: Lot 1, Lot 2, Plan, Profile A, Profile B,Transit Point)

Structure 175-6, the largest building at the settlement, looms over the east side of the southern patio. It is 2m southeast of Str. 175-9 and 9m east of, and across the patio from, Str. 175-3. Excavations conducted here within Subop. 175G and J uncovered ca. 83m2 in the process of revealing all of the edifice save for a small portion of its northern summit. Digging was pursued to maximum depths of 0.98m and 1.22m below modern ground surface outside and within construction, respectively. One major building phase was recognized in the course of this work overseen by N. Gevock and M. Kneppler, though hints of an earlier version of the platform were recorded.

Time Span 1

Structure 175-6-Sub1 is represented by portions of two stone walls (U.16 and 17) that might have been basal facings for a platform that was buried by, or dismantled during the construction of, Str. 175-6-1st. Unit 17 was uncovered to a width of 0.2m and runs at least 0.8m at an orientation of approximately 335 degrees (its full girth and length were not revealed). This wall corners with U.16 which is 0.8m tall, 0.3m wide, and extends for 1.68m southwest of U.17 along an alignment of 245 degrees. The walls are fashioned of tuff blocks whose flat faces are directed outwards. The top of U.16 was apparently capped with cut blocks. These stones are set in a mud mortar.

Both U.16 and 17 underlie TS. 3 architecture. It may be that they are parts of a southwestward projection from Str. 175-6-1st, contemporary with that platform's earliest known period of construction (TS. 2). The stratigraphic position of these entities vis a vis Str. 175-6-1st's west platform wall (U.9) during TS. 2 suggests this interpretation; i.e., they both extend down to approximately the same depths. The architectural significance of U.17, running parallel to, and directly in front (southwest) of, U. 9 would then be unclear. Unfortunately, we were unable to establish their relationships during excavation. As a result, U.16 and 17 are provisionally assigned to an earlier building episode with the understanding that they might well be part of TS. 2 construction, perhaps an earlier version of the set of rooms that fronted the building during TS. 3.

Time Span 2

Structure 175-6-1st, as understood at this point, is a sizable stone-faced platform bounded by steep, high (0.85-1.4m tall) basal walls (U.7-10). Noted changes in construction styles in several of these walls imply that they may have reached their final heights in at least two stages. Regrettably, this point could not be established in the time available. The summit consists of one room surfaced with a stone pavement (U.19, covering 4.5m2) and bounded on the northwest and northeast by an L-shaped bench. This 0.18m-high stone-faced and -surfaced bench is made up of particularly thick segments of U.10 and 7 on the northwest and northeast, respectively (2m and 0.58m wide, in turn). The northeastern flank was augmented by the construction of U.11 and 12 set against the bench's southwest side. Unit 12 is 0.45m wide and runs southeast-northwest for 1.5m along U.7 from 0.1m northwest of the bench's southeast end. It is succeeded on the northwest by U.11, a 0.2m wide by 1.85m long addition that is stepped back (northeast) 0.5m from the front (southwest) face of U.12. Unit 11 ends on the northwest in U.13, a low, 0.2m-wide wall that projects 0.3m southwest into the room from U.11. The addition of U.11 and 12 widened the bench's northeastern surface from 0.58m to 0.78-1.3m over most of its extent. Unit 13's architectural significance is uncertain; it may mark an internal division in space between northwestern and southeastern parts of the summit. If so, the northwest space encompassed 0.5m2 while its more ample southeastern neighbor covered 3.6m2. The 0.95m-wide gap between U.13 and 9, the room's southwestern margin, provided easy passage between these putatively distinct zones.

Structure 175-6-1st stood, by the conclusion of TS. 2, 0.85-1.4m high, covered 2.6x6.6m, and was aligned approximately 335 degrees. The stone-floored summit encompassed 4.5m2 and was bounded on the northeast and northwest by a 0.18m-tall, stone-faced and -surfaced bench made up of particularly thick portions of the platform's basal facings on these sides (U.7 and 10). The bench's northeast flank was increased in width by the addition of U.11 and 12 which gave the construction an irregular line, stepping back (northeast) 0.5m at 1.6m northwest of the bench's southeast margin. Overall, the bench measured 2x2.15m on the northwest whereas its northeast leg covered 0.78-1.3m by 4.05m. The summit room's interior space may have been divided by the addition of a low, narrow wall that extended 0.3m southwest from the bench's northeast element into the enclosure. The space northwest of this small barrier covered 0.5m2 while the larger southeastern portion of the enclosure measured 3.6m2. Movement between the two portions was through a 0.96m-wide doorway. All walls were made primarily of tuff rocks set in a mud mortar and with their flatter faces directed outwards. The top courses of U. 7-10 are fashioned of faced tuff blocks though scattered examples of these shaped stones were noted in all of the walls. How the summit was reached is unclear. As noted above in the TS. 1 discussion, there could have been a series of rooms and access features on the platform's southwest, plaza-facing side (represented now by U.16 and 17) covered by TS. 3 architecture. The existence of such constructions, though likely, could not be established.

Time Span 3

Additions made to all sides of Str. 175-6-1st retained the building's original alignment while greatly altering its dimensions and organization of space. The fill introduced at this time consists of stones set in an earth matrix (U.26).

On the southwest, plaza-facing side three rooms set in a northwest-southeast-trending line now fronted the core platform. These enclosures are bounded by substantial walls on the northwest, southwest, southeast, and northeast (U.4, 1, 2, and 9, respectively) and are divided from each other by sizable foundations (U.14 and 15; generally 0.4-0.8m wide). The earthen-floored northwest room in the sequence measures 2x2.45m, rests at ground level, and was entered through a 0.7m-wide doorway set in its northwest wall (U.4). The earthen-floored central compartment measures 1.6x1.8m and covers the earlier U.16 and 17 walls. A purposefully shaped circular stone with a diameter of 0.38m was found in the approximate center of this enclosure (F.2). Feature 2 was severely cracked and fragmented when found and apparently served to mark the threshold in Str. 175-6-1st's formal entryway. Unit 24, a 0.14m high by 0.29m-wide stone wall, was erected against U.9 and bounds the central compartment on the northeast. This wall runs for 2.7m northeast-southwest and overlaps the walls bordering the central room on the northwest and southeast (U.14 and 15). What U.24's architectural significance might have been is unclear. The southeast room measures 2x2.55m and is paved with stone (U.18). Four shallow niches measuring 0.25-0.3m deep by 0.4-0.8m across were recorded set into the northeast and northeast walls that define the southwest compartment (U.15 and 9, respectively). The niches exist in pairs, one dyad in each of the aforementioned walls, members of the pairs are 0.5-1.2m apart. The architectural and behavioral significance of these constructions is obscure but they were apparently restricted to this portion of the building. Otherwise, none of these compartments contains built-in furniture and all but the northwest example are raised ca. 0.7m above ancient ground surface.

The remains of three stone steps (U.21-23) were recorded leading up from the earthen plaza surface to the central of these three rooms. The basal step (U.23) is an estimated 0.12m high, 0.28m wide, and was traced for 1m to the southeast of its northwest terminus before excavations ceased. Unit 22, its successor to the northeast, rose 0.07m above U.23, is 0.56m wide, and is 2.8m long northwest-southeast. A very poorly preserved third ascending riser, U.21, is inferred to have intervened between U.22 and the platform's southwest basal wall (U.1). Unit 21 is estimated to have stood 0.1m high, run back (northeast) 0.21m to U.1, and to have extended at least 2.1m northwest-southeast. Units 22 and 23 comprise a tolerably clear graduated set of steps, each riser widening as it approaches Str. 175-6-1st. Unit 21 may have continued this pattern as it projects approximately 1.8m northwest of U.22. Unfortunately, U.21's southeast extent could not be ascertained so we do not know if it was symmetrically placed with respect to U.21 and 22. As uncertain as the dimensions and form of this staircase are, the steps clearly mark an entry feature focused on the central room and its circular stone threshold described above.

The opposite, northeast side of the building was graced with two stone-faced and -surfaced terraces that extended for the building's entire length northwest-southeast (U.3 and 5). These risers are 0.41m and 0.95m high, proceeding from base to top, and 0.86m and 1.43m wide, respectively. The southeast flank was expanded by the addition of U.2 which stood roughly 0.9m high and extended Str. 175-6-1st 1.4m in this direction. Unit 8, the basal southeast facing during TS. 2, may still have projected roughly 0.4m above U.2. The enlarged summit was covered with an addition to the bench which extended 1.35m southwest from U.7. This construction, bounded by U.24 on the northeast, U.2 on the southwest, U.8 on the northeast, and an extension of U.9 on the northwest, measured 1.55x3.35m (the addition projects northeast onto the upper, U.5, terrace). Unlike the other bench segments, this addition is surfaced with earth. As a consequence of its construction, the summit bench now assumed a C-shape open to the southwest overlooking the stairs and plaza. The platform's northwest flank was expanded 0.8m by the addition of U.4. Unit 4 was preserved to 0.6m high implying that the earlier northwest basal wall, U.10 still protruded 0.25 above the northwest addition. Set against this new basal facing is a wall (U.25) that runs 1.9m northeast from the doorway leading to the northeast room. Unit 25, at 0.4m wide, might have been erected to create a raised space for sitting and/or working near the entrance to said compartment.

Overall, in its final construction phase, Str. 175-6-1st stood 1m and 1.7m high (on the southwest and northeast, in turn), measured 7.2x8.95m (not including the steps and U.25), and was oriented roughly 335 degrees. The superstructure consisted of a large room on the northeast (4.5m2 of open, paved space) bounded on all sides save the southwest by a 0.18m-high, extensive stone-faced bench. That bench covers roughly 14m2 and faces out to the southwest over three rooms that are set in a northwest-southeast-running line along the core platform's southwest basal wall (U.9). These enclosures cover 4.9m2, 2.9m2, and 5.1m2 moving from northwest to southeast. The earthen-floored northwestern compartment was raised on ground level and was entered via a 0.7m-wide doorway in its northwest foundation. The remaining two rooms were raised ca. 0.7m above ancient ground level, 0.2-0.3m below the floor of the large northeast room. The southeastern enclosure is paved with stone and has four niches set into its bordering walls; two in the northeast and two in the southeast walls. The central compartment has a shaped, circular stone resting near the middle of its earthen floor. That distinctive artifact apparently marks a formal entrance to Str. 175-6-1st's superstructure, an interpretation supported by the identification of three low (0.07-0.12m high) steps that project 1.1m southwest into the plaza from in front of the central enclosure. The staircase seems to have narrowed as it moved away from the structure though poor preservation of the relevant units precludes being certain on this point. The northwest and southeast flanks of the platform were expanded and were now ascended by two major ascents to the summit in each case; an initial rise of 0.6-0.9m high followed by a step-up of 0.25-0.4m to the summit. The latter consists of the still-visible upper parts of the TS. 2 basal walls on these sides. On the northeast two sizable terraces (0.41-0.95m high by 0.86-1.43m wide) lead to the summit. A diminutive raised work and/or sitting space was built immediately northeast of the door leading into the northwest room late in TS. 3. All walls were fashioned primarily of unmodified tuff rocks whose naturally flat faces were oriented outwards. Some shaped masonry blocks were recorded in all walls raised during TS. 3 though they were not the dominant components of these constructions. The rocks in each case were held in place by a mud mortar.

Structure 175-6-1st had, by TS. 3, assumed a distinctive pattern consisting of a large back room fronted by three small enclosures; this organization of the superstructure is replicated elsewhere in the Naco valley at La Sierra and in some rural settlements. In fact, the arrangement of enclosures atop Str. 175-4-1st mirrors this pattern.

Time Span 4

After Str. 175-6-1st was abandoned S.1, a gray-brown to very dark gray-brown soil, accumulated to as much as 0.98m thick. Included in S.1 is a moderately dense concentration of rocks that tumbled from final-phase architecture (F.1). Feature 1 extends for at least 0.82m northeast of the platform and 0.31m southwest of it.

Structure 175-7 (Plans: Detailed, Transit Point)

Structure 175-7 does not face any of the recognized plazas at the settlement but is situated 3m northeast of Str. 175-9 and 5m north of Str. 175-6. Surface indications suggested that Strs. 175-7 and 175-9 were joined by a low, raised construction. Excavations proved this to be the product of our over-active imaginations. Digging here, conducted within Subop. 175 I, cleared approximately 30m2 in the course of exposing all of the building. One construction phase was revealed in these investigations overseen by C. Gevock-Delahaye.

 

Time Span	Construction Phase	Units	Strata	Features	Date
1	Str. 175-7-1st	U.1-6	-	-	LCLIII

Time Span 1

Structure 175-7-1^st is a stone-faced platform bordered on all sides by facings that rise directly to the summit (U.1-4). Units 1-4 are about 0.5m high and 0.4-0.85m wide. The one exception is the southern 1.8m of U.4, the eastern basal wall, which covers 1.3m across. This unit's unusual girth may reflect its function as a retaining wall, foundation for a perishable upper wall, and bench on the east side of the southern summit room. That superstructure consists of two earthen-floored enclosures arranged in a north-south line. The northern example measures 0.9x3.05m and is separated from its southern analogue by a 0.48m-high footing that is 0.5m wide (U.5). There was some slight indication that U.5 was raised atop an earlier stone construction. This interpretation is implied by a change in construction at U.5's base. Unfortunately, time did not permit investigation of this possibility. A 0.45m-wide stone step (U.6) projects 0.25m south from U.5's west end. Unit 6 fills the southern room's northwest corner. The southern enclosure measures 1.8x2.5m and is bordered on the east by the aforementioned expansion of U.4. The latter, measuring 1.8m north-south, could have served as a bench facing westward into the southern room.

Structure 175-7-1^st is a platform that stood approximately 0.5m high, measured 4.4m by 4.45m, and was aligned roughly 327degrees. The superstructure consists of two earthen-floored rooms organized in a north south line; the northern compartment encompassing 2.8m2 while the southern enclosure measures 4.5m2. The latter is bordered by what may be a low, stone-faced and –surfaced bench on the east (1.8m long) while a diminutive stone step set in the compartment's northwest corner possibly indicates the passageway between the two rooms. The walls are fashioned of seemingly unmodified tuff rocks the flat faces of which are consistently oriented outward. The stones are set in a mud mortar. Hints of an earlier construction underlying TS. 1 architecture imply that Str. 175-7-1^st was not the first building raised at this locale. What the nature and dimensions of that earlier edifice were is impossible to say at this point.

Structure 175-9 (Plans: Detailed, Transit Point)

Structure 175-9 defines the northern side of the southern plaza. It lies 3m southwest of Str. 175-7 and 1m and 3.5m northeast and northwest of Str. 175-3 and 175-6, respectively. Digging carried out here within Subop. 175D uncovered the entire building in the course of excavating ca. 38m2. One major construction episode was revealed in the course of this work overseen by C. Gevock-Delahaye, though remnants of an earlier building mostly covered by Str. 175-9-1^st were recorded.

Time Span 1

The sole recorded segment of Str. 175-9-1^st is a low stone wall measuring 0.2m across that runs for 1.25m at an orientation of ca. 260 degrees out from beneath the corner formed by the intersection of U.4 and 5 of Str. 175-9-1^st. Given U.1's fairly narrow width and the absence of any connecting walls on the west, it is likely that this construction was a footing from a surface-level building later covered by TS. 2 architecture. This earthen-floored edifice was probably open on the west towards the plaza defined by Strs. 175-1/3.

Time Span 2

During this interval a fairly extensive surface-level edifice (Str. 175-9-1^st) replaced Str. 175-9-Sub1. This building originally consisted of three earthen-floored rooms, two set in a north-south line and the third located immediately west of the southern compartment. The three enclosures were defined by stone footings 0.2-0.74m high by 0.45-1m wide (U.2, 4-6, 8, 9, 11). Unit 11, the foundation separating the southern rooms from their northern counterpart, is unusually high (0.74m as opposed to the other footings which fall between 0.2m and 0.47m). The reason for this divergence from the norm is unclear. In addition, U.2, Str. 175-9-1^st's western foundation, is exceptionally wide, covering 1.5m across. Its locally unprecedented girth suggests that U.2 doubled as a support for perishable upper walls and as a 0.47m-high bench running 1.65m north-south along the west side of the southwestern room. This enclosure measures 1.3x1.65m and was completely enclosed by stone footings (U.2, 8, 9, and 11). Its eastern neighbor encompasses 1.8m on a side and was seemingly open on the east and south. The northeastern room is the smallest of the compartments, covering 1.15x1.65m and is completely surrounded by stone foundations (U.4-6, 11). A low, stone-faced and –surfaced shelf (U.15) fills the enclosure's western wall, running 1.15m north south and projecting 0.8m eastward into the room.

At some point late in TS. 2, U.11's western 1.85m was covered by the addition of U.3. This stone footing cornered with U.4 on the east and continued west to its junction with U.2. A 0.25m high stone construction (U.14) was appended to U.8 at about this time. Unit 14 measures 2.75m long, east-west, and projects 1m south from U.8. The architectural significance of U.3 and 14 is unclear. Their construction widened portions of the footings against which they were set (U.11 and 8, respectively) from 0.5m to 0.9m in the case of U.3 and 11 and 0.5 to 1.5m in that of U.8 and 14. Such additions may have been intended to create raised work spaces located outside Str. 175-9-1^st but under its eaves.

As TS. 2 drew to a close, Str. 175-9-1^st was a surface-level building covering 5.1x6.1m (maximum dimensions) and aligned roughly 339 degrees. The edifice contains 3 earthen-floored rooms arranged in a rough L-shape; two running north-south with a third projecting westward from the southern compartment. These enclosures are defined by low (mostly 0.2-0.47m high) stone footings that generally measure 0.45-1m across. The southeastern compartment is the most accessible of the enclosures; it covers 3.2m2, is open on the south and east, and has no built-in furniture. The cubicle bordering it on the north measures 1.9m2 and contains a low stone-faced and –surfaced shelf set against its west wall. This shelf is 1.15m long north-south by 0.8m wide east-west. The southwest room encompasses 2.2m2 and is bordered by an unusually wide foundation on the west (U.2, 1.5m across). This footing may have served as both a wall support and bench running 1.65m north-south. This and the northeast compartment are sealed by stone foundations on all sides and seem to have been more private spaces than the open southeast enclosure. Where doorways leading into the first two rooms might have been located is unclear. Late in TS. 2 portions of the U.8 and 11 foundations were widened by additions made to their exteriors. These renovations may have been intended to create elevated working spaces beneath Str. 175-9-1^st's eaves. All stone constructions dating to this span are made of unmodified tuff rocks the flat faces of which are directed outwards. These stones are set in a mud mortar.

Time Span 3

During this interval the southeast room was sealed by the construction of U.7 and 10 on the compartment's east and south sides, respectively. These walls average 0.2m high and vary in width from 0.45-1.9m; U.10 is the widest of the two constructions. Unit 14, the addition made to U.8's south side during TS. 2, is completely encased by U.10. Unit 7, on the room's east side, just barely intersects U.11; approximately 0.75m was seemingly added to U.6 on the south bringing that wall to its junction with U.7. Though the situation is far from clear, it appears that Str. 175-9-1st's rooms were now filled with earth as the building's perimeter was sealed, thus converting a surface-level building into a platform. The additions, unlike the preceding foundations, do not have well-finished interior faces. This pattern suggests that, unlike the footings that tended to be faced on both sides and were probably seen by those using the rooms, the inner faces of U.7 and 10 were never meant to be viewed while the building was in use. What had been foundations in the earlier version of the structure, therefore, were converted into basal walls for the new platform. The original arrangement of rooms was retained, though now they rested ca. 0.25m above ancient ground level. Late in the span a stone pavement (U.13) was appended to Str. 175-9-1^st's southeast corner. Unit 13 measures 1.4m across (maximum observed dimension) and extends for at least 1.05m to the east from U.7; its eastern limit was not identified.

Overall, Str. 175-9-1^st was, by the end of TS. 3, a 0.25m-high stone-faced platform that supported three earthen-floored rooms. The sizes of these enclosures and their organization remained unchanged from TS. 2 as did the building's orientation. It is unclear whether the U.15 shelf in the north room still projected above the newly raised floor or if it was submerged by that addition; the latter possibility seems the more likely of the two alternatives. The earlier L-shape arrangement of the superstructure rooms was also retained though the platform now ran 6.7m north-south by 5.75m east-west along its longest dimensions. The unusual, by local standards, great width of the southern basal facing (U.10) may imply that this area served as a support for perishable upper walls and a bench or entry feature; U.2 seemingly continued to be used as a bench during TS.3 as well. Equally likely, the U.10 addition might have been designed to amplify the raised work space that was earlier represented by U.14, a construction that U.10 completely encompassed. A stone pavement covering roughly 1.4m north-south extended at least 1.05m east of the platform's southeast corner. As was the case during TS. 2, all stone construction pertaining to TS. 3 were made of unmodified tuff blocks set in a mud mortar and with their flat faces oriented outwards.

Structure 175-10 (Figures **-**)

Structure 175-10 appeared on the surface to be a low platform extending 6m south of Str. 175-4's southeast corner. Digging here, pursued within Subop. 175C and F revealed, instead, the remains of a surface-level building 1.5m south of Str. 175-4-1^st on the south. Fully 25m2 were cleared in the course of this work directed by N. Gevock and M. Kneppler.

Time Span 1

Those portions Str. 175-10-1^st revealed in Subop. 175C consist of a set of low, interconnected walls. The most substantial of these, U.1, is 0.95m wide and runs 3.3m at an orientation of ca. 359degrees. Unit 2 is interdigitated with U.1 at the latter's north end and projects 0.95m to the east. Added onto these constructions are U.3 and 4. The former extends U.1 ca. 1.1m to the south. Unit 3 is 0.95m wide and may continue east beyond excavation limits. Unit 4 is a 1.35m long eastward continuation of U.2. Whereas U.4's north side is in line with the north flank of U.2 its south side is irregular in shape. The significance of this discrepancy is unclear.

By the end of TS. 1, Str. 175-10-1^st contained an earthen-floored, surface-level room bounded by low, broad stone foundations and measuring an estimated 2.3x2.5m. The building was aligned roughly 359 degrees and may have been open on the east. This last point is unclear, however, as excavations were largely restricted to the edifice's west flank. All walls were fashioned of unmodified cobbles set in a mud mortar.

Time Span 2

The building described above may have fallen out of use during this interval. It was replaced by another surface-level construction raised immediately to the west. Several foundations that pertain to this later edifice overlap U.1. Unit 5, a low stone footing that is 0.55m wide, projects ca. 0.1m onto the northern 2.05m of U.1's west side. The former wall is 2.9m long and oriented approximately 1 degree. Crossing U.5 on the north is another footing (U.6) which is 0.3m wide and runs 3m east-west perpendicular to U.5. Together, U.5 and 6 have a ‘T' shape with U.6 extending 1.7m west and 0.75m east of U.5. Unit 7 is a 0.2m wide foundation that projects 0.45m east onto and over U.1 from U.5's south end. A sizable concentration of artifacts (F.1) was found bracketed between U.6, 5, and 2 on the north, west, and south, wrapping around the east edge of U.6. Feature 1 may represent trash deposited in Str. 175-10-1^st's eastern room after that space was no longer being used for other purposes.

As TS. 2 drew to a close, therefore, Str. 175-10-1^st possibly consisted of two adjoining surface-level, earthen-floored compartments set in an east-west line and aligned approximately 1 degree. The western enclosure covers 1.7x2.9m and was open on the south and west. On the east another cubicle encompasses 0.75x2.55m and is unobstructed on the east. The top of U.1 may still have been visible at this time, its stone surface possibly being incorporated into the floor of the eastern room. All walls were built of unmodified cobbles set in a mud mortar. The eastern room possibly ended its use-life as a trash repository.

Chronological Summary

Based on current evidence, Site 175 was first occupied during Late Classic I. A few ceramics diagnostic of this span were found mixed with later material in the vicinity of Str. 175-10-1st but nowhere else at the settlement. Indicators of Late Classic II occupation are still relatively rare but more widespread than their Late Classic I antecedents. Material pertaining to the former period was recovered from the vicinity of Str. 175-2, 175-6, 175-9, and 175-10. Several modest buildings (Str. 175-2-Sub1, 175-6-Sub1, and 175-9-Sub1) may have been raised during this interval as well, though the dating of the aforementioned edifices is not certain. All of the investigated buildings save Str. 175-7-1st were seemingly erected during the transition between Late Classic II and III and continued to be occupied into Late Classic III; Str. 175-7-1st was erected in Late Classic III. The very end of Late Classic II and all of Late Classic III, therefore, apparently represent Site 175's population and construction maxima. No signs of Postclassic occupation were noted.