Additional Studies of the Architecture of the Casa Grande and its Interpretation
Wilcox DR and Sternberg C. 1981. Additional Studies of the Architecture of the Casa Grande and its Interpretation. Historic Structure Report. University of Arizona. Tucson, Arizona
This is a report of a study of the architecture of the Great House at Casa Grande National Monument. An archeological study was performed as the National Park Service was formulating plans to stabilize the structure. Data collected during this study, including elevation drawings, photographs, and field notes, were analyzed to create recommendations for stabilization. The report addresses the field work, new research developments, and policy decisions concerning stabilization at that time. It also includes details about the development of the Great House, use-history, and significance in Hohokam culture history. From the report abstract: This report presents new research results produced when elevation drawings of the interior wall surfaces of the Casa Grande were completed. The discovery that members of the Hemenway Expedition excavated at the Casa Grande site also revealed several fresh descriptions, leading to intriguing hypothesis that are tested and presented here. Newly recorded wall features and recent developments in Hohokam archaeology also led to new conclusions about most of the topics treated in an earlier report by Wilcox and Shenk (1977). Evidence for the special character of the Casa Grande is increased, and the hypothesis that its original activity system involved managerial functions in the local Hohokam society is strengthened. It is concluded that new archaeoastronomic studies of the structure are needed. Principles for guiding future preservation and interpretation of the Casa Grande are recommended.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Wilcox, David; Sternberg, Charles
- Date of Issue
- 1981-03
- Publisher
- University of Arizona
- Units
- CAGR , IMR
- Keywords
- American Indian, archeological history, archeology, ballcourt, elevation drawings, erosion, excavation, Great House, Hemenway Expedition, Hohokam, irrigation, Native American, Pima, University of Arizona, use-history, Western Archeological Center