Cultural Resources Testing at Las Canopas (AZ T:12:137[ASM]), Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona

Northland has completed cultural resources testing at two parcels. During the project, 83 trenches were mechanically excavated, totaling 1,613.3 meters. Trenches were roughly 20 m long, 65 cm wide, and 1.5 m deep. They were laid out in a checkerboard pattern across both loci, with trenches spaced 40 m apart east-west. This equates to approximately a 1.25 percent subsurface sample of the 20.7 acre project area. Testing confirmed the presence of features associated with Las Canopas (AZ T:12:137[ASM]), a large Hohokam village. In total, Northland identified 141 prehistoric cultural features, including habitation structures, extramural features, irrigation canals, and human burials. Basic descriptive information was collected on the location and distribution of all features identified. All human remains disturbed during testing were documented and removed. During testing, 20 human burial features were encountered. A map of the location of trenches and features was also prepared. The results of the Northland testing project indicate a lengthy prehistoric occupation within the tested parcels. Diagnostic ceramics ranging from the early Pioneer period, ca. A.D. 500 to 750, through late Classic period, ca. A.D. 1300 to 1450 were collected or noted during fieldwork. The temporal and spatial distribution of features across the tested parcels confirms the presence of intact prehistoric features. High densities of subsurface features, including human mortuary features, are present in multiple areas within the project area. Northland recommends that additional cultural resources investigations be conducted prior to any future ground disturbing activities within the project area. Las Canopas is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places based on its potential to contribute significant information to the prehistory of the region. Results of Northland's testing project indicate numerous additional intact features associated with the site will be encountered by any future ground disturbance activities. Of particular significance, it is highly probable that multiple human burial features remain undisturbed within the parcels. The site contains significant information potential and can address many important research questions pertaining to Hohokam occupation in the area. Indeed, there are few remaining sites in the Phoenix Basin with as much research potential. Therefore, prior to any future ground disturbance, Northland recommends that a research plan and plan of work for data recovery be prepared and implemented.