Award Date

1-1-2007

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Anthropology

First Committee Member

Karen G. Harry

Number of Pages

123

Abstract

The research presented here utilizes both mineralogical and elemental analyses to examine prehistoric architectural mortar and plaster samples from kivas at two Pueblo III period cliff house sites in Mesa Verde National Park. In order to provide a thorough geochemical characterization of mortar and plaster samples analytic techniques including x-ray diffractometry (XRD), inductively coupled plasma---mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and analytical electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) have been utilized. Similarities and differences in mortar selection among those sites and kivas sampled are then discussed in terms of cultural implications. The most significant result is a temporal trend in mortar selection from early to late periods of occupation at Spruce Tree House. Also discussed are several preservation issues dealing with the accumulation of gypsum soft masses in kiva walls at those sites sampled. This research evaluates the effectiveness of using geochemically based techniques to answer culturally significant questions about building material selection and use.

Keywords

Architectural; Colorado; Cultural; Implications; Mesa; Mortar; National; Park; Plaster; Selection; Verde

Controlled Subject

Archaeology; Indians of North America--Study and teaching

File Format

pdf

File Size

3532.8 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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