Activity Areas
Basketmaker III activity areas (including pithouses
and surface rooms) were sometimes enclosed by
stockades.
and surface rooms) were sometimes enclosed by
stockades.
At least 18 stockades have been identified at
BMIII sites in the Mesa Verde region. These
stockades usually enclosed more than a single
pithouse. Most of them were between 20-35
meters in diameter and enclosed areas between
600-1,200 square meters.
BMIII sites in the Mesa Verde region. These
stockades usually enclosed more than a single
pithouse. Most of them were between 20-35
meters in diameter and enclosed areas between
600-1,200 square meters.
Possible uses for the stockades include 1) delin-
eation of the boundary around a social unit; 2)
defense of a settlement in the face of warfare or
conflict; 3) use as fences to keep children con-
fined and animals out; and 4) use as windbreaks.
eation of the boundary around a social unit; 2)
defense of a settlement in the face of warfare or
conflict; 3) use as fences to keep children con-
fined and animals out; and 4) use as windbreaks.
Because of the considerable labor involved in
constructing the stockades, it is clear that they
were not afterthoughts, nor were they casual con-
struction endeavors.
constructing the stockades, it is clear that they
were not afterthoughts, nor were they casual con-
struction endeavors.
Excavated portion of stockade at 5DL310.