La Villa Data Recovery

Purpose

Desert Archaeology conducted two excavation projects within the major Hohokam settlement AZ T:12:148(ASM) (La Villa) prior to the construction of storm drains in downtown Phoenix. The linear nature of the project provided an opportunity to study a cross section of one of the largest pre-Classic Hohokam villages in the Phoenix Basin, from its beginning as a plaza-oriented village in the sixth century until its abandonment in the eleventh century.

Actions

• Four phases of excavation fieldwork along Madison Street and 13th Avenue

• Monitoring of utility installations along Jefferson Street

• Testing along 12th Avenue

• Two phases of excavation fieldwork along Jackson Street and 9th Avenue

• Monitoring of utility installations along Jefferson Street and 14th Avenue, and Jackson Street and 9th Avenue

• Consultation with the City of Phoenix Archaeology Office

Results

• Large samples of the nearly 500 features identified were excavated.

• Fieldwork along Madison Street and 13th Avenue revealed contexts spanning much of the Hohokam preClassic sequence.

• Uncovering the Eastern Plaza at La Villa represents the first investigation of a plaza along Canal System 2.

• The project revealed information related to the timing and structure of settlement at La Villa, the productive pursuits of its inhabitants, and the areas of continuity and change between intervals of occupation.

• Farming became increasingly important as village residents developed specializations in ceramic production. Agricultural products were not only sustenance but goods that could be exchanged with other social groups for shell ornaments, ceramics, and other specialty items.