A methodological perspective on the use and organization of space: A case study of Hohokam structures from Snaketown, Arizona

Abstract

The use of intramural space is examined in and between structures from the Hohokam site of Snaketown, Arizona. The approach advocated in this volume results from a disenchantment with the efficacy of pre-established functional categories for characterizing structure use and accounting for the variability present. In an effort to transcend the vague concept of house function categories of use-areas are defined which represent widespread regularities in the way intramural space is used and arranged. The latter are identified on the basis of spatial patterns of use that are visible cross-culturally in ethnographies and ethnoarchaeological reports and through the examination of artifact and feature arrangments in the archaeological sample from Snaketown. House types, defined on the basis of differing combinations of use-areas, are examined in the context of spatial aggregates of houses, courtyard groups. Their distributions serve as a basis for deriving inferences regarding the nature, localization, and size of cooperating economic groups at the site. Replication of use-area categories and house types within and between courtyard groups, indicates that cooperating economic groups existed at various levels at Snaketown, both above and below the level of the courtyard group.