Stabilization of Mummy Cave Ruin: Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona
Richert R. 1961. Stabilization of Mummy Cave Ruin: Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona. Historic Structure Report. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
This report covers work done by the Ruins Stabilization Unit at Canyon de Chelly National Monument from September 6 to October 25, 1961. It describes the administrative aspects of the project, the history and characteristics of the site, the significance of Mummy Cave within the context of the area, and the stabilization work that was performed in that year. The cave is unique for showing a sequence of occupation and therefore the relationship from Basketmaker to Pueblo III, a span of about 1500 years. The report focuses on the masonry of Pueblo construction in Mummy Cave, which varies in style and treatment. Two priorities were identified with this stabilization effort: "(1) construct a retaining wall across the upper reaches of the refuse talus to provide a firm base for the Pueblo III structures, thereby halting further loss of the structures themselves and slippage of talus above that line, and (2) stabilize as many of the Pueblo III structures of the east cave as possible." In addition to the retaining wall, 20 structures in the east cave were stabilized during the 1961 season.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Richert, Roland
- Date of Issue
- 1961
- Publisher
- U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
- Units
- CACH , IMR
- Keywords
- American Indian, Anasazi, ancient masonry, archeology, Basketmaker, cliff dwellings, Desert culture, excavation, kiva, masonry, Native American, navajo, Pueblo, retaining wall, ruins, Southwest Archeological Center, storage chamber, tramway, work camp
- Subjects
- CRIS-HS: 000100: Mummy Cave