Cultural Affiliation

It has ben proposed that Athapaskan groups migrating through the High Plains of eastern Colorado
split into the Navajo and Apache groups upon reaching the Southwest. The time frame for the arrival
of the Navajo in the Southwest, particularly in Dinetah, is still not firmly dated. Most researchers
believe the Navajo arrived in the area prior to the early 1500’s, and were definitely present by 1541.
At least one researcher, however, believes that the Navajo did not move into the area until after
1700, after the Pueblo Revolt and Reconquest; in this scenario archaeological remains dating prior to
1700 are attributable to Ute people moving through the area. The MAPL data do not appear to sup-
port this belief.

Ceramics. Of the 18 Navajo sites in the
study area, Dinetah Gray sherds were
found on 16, with absolute chronometric
dates ranging from the mid-1600’s through
the mid-1700’s. Gobernador Polychrome
sherds were found on four sites; examples
from LA81175 are presented here.

Lithics. Several lithic tool types have ben
identifeid as being indicative of early historic
Navajo groups. These tool types include
microcores, elongated flake knives, arrow shaft
straighteners and abraders, nd piki stones. On
Navajo sites in the study area, 13 microcores,
one arrow shaft abrader, two arrow shaft straight-
eners, three flake knoive and a piki stone were
found.

Structures. Taken as a group, the structures in the study area fit with those typically defined as
Navajo: they all had excavated floors, one had good evidence of an earth coveering and four
were thought to have had extended entries.