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IlfoCO"M9.'C~."""" <;00....9""0,"9.....".00'" .......-...l.'._ .WP\'-...,,,,,,_ Analysis and Interpretation The Dolores Project Cultural Resources MIHgation Program is conducting specific analyses in several fields In an effort to understand both the Anasazl culture and the other cultures whIch lived in the prOject area Among lhe scientific prOjects underway afe: Lithic Analysis One leam of specialists is examining each piece of worked stone recovered In the site survey and In excavations_ The team is particutarly interested in determining how the various types of lools were made and used by the prehistoric people. II is also looking at the different quarry sources from which raw materials were laken. Ceramic Analysis Each piece of pottery is examined for informatiOn concerning lhe basic raw materials from which It was made. the manufacturing process, and the designs used in decoration. One specialist is also investigating the purpose for which each style of pot was used. I .. ~. f.oc""""""'~~""""'".'Mn<''''''''''''''''.''''ClM<:O''''' Dating To identify the period of occupation for each identified Site, archaeologists rely on tree.nng dating. In some cases. radiocarbon dating or dating from dis. tinctive tool or pollery styles is also employed. Zoological Analysis All recovered bone material is examined and identified. Statements concerning hunting. trapping, and fishing pallerns can be formulated and used to recon- struct the day.to-day hfe of the Anasazi people. The nutritional balance of the prehistoric diet can also be explored. Botanical Analysis Plant remains recovered in the ex. cavalions yield information concerning lood, building malerials, and weaving materials, The scientists are examining preparation and use of plant resources to develop a picture of how the Anasazi people exploited their environment. The University 01 Colorado is also con. ducting experiments in prehistoric farming techniques. ~o.c-__.~:. ~""'-""._' ....fII" - ':-..11.: 1l~""t<""'o!"~O&l...II.9<'K_ At each stage 01 the excavations. each portion of a Site is carefully recorded. Information on the color and type of dirt, the sort of artifacts. and the arrangement of the architectural features is included in a written de-- scription. A detailed map is also prepared. In interpreting what went on at a site, the archaeologists integrate the infor. mation from the written descriptions and maps to get a solid picture of the lifestyle of lhe site:s former occupants. In the laboratory each piece of material is closely examined, and a descriptiOn is entered into a computer file. Using the computer, archaeologists will deter. mine where different pieces or different types of tools were found at a site. Finally, the informatiOn will form a picture of the prehistoric society in the Dolores River Valley, .. ...., - -~..... c-