The Arizona State Museum Archaeological Site Survey System [No. 128]

Abstract

The Arizona State Museum (ASM) has been actively engaged in archaeological survey in Arizona for more than 50 years. During this time the Museum successfully developed an integrated site survey system involving field reconnaissance, data recording and storage, and artifact curation. The system has changed over the years to allow for more complete data recording and to accommodate changing use patterns of the site file. For example, the system of manual management of site survey records is currently being supplemented by an automated system of data storage and retrieval. This report combines into one volume documentation for each of the three primary components of the ASM site survey system: field reconnaissance, records maintenance, and curatorial services. It represents the cumulative efforts on the part of a number of individuals who have worked at the Museum through the years. Part I provides a brief history of archaeological survey at the Museum, focusing on the changes that have occurred in the survey system in response to changing Museum and client needs, and a statement of Museum policy relative to use of the site survey file. Part II offers a detailed explanation of the method of site designation employed by the Museum. Part III includes a sample site survey form and instructions for completing the form. Part IV details the proper method of completing ASM site survey cards to allow for the incorporation of survey data into the permanent site survey file. Part V, the ASM SELGEM AZSITE computerization manual, gives data transcription procedures for entering survey data into a computerized site survey file. Part VI provides information on archaeological surveys carried out by the Arizona State Museum between 1895 and 1977. A chronological list of Museum surveys includes the year of the survey, reference to reported survey information, the geographic unit surveyed, and the names of the individuals who carried out the survey. Appendices include a statement by Haury on early goals of the Museum, reproduction of Medallion Papers No. 1, A Method for Designation of Ruins in the Southwest, by Winifred and Harold S. Gladwin, and information pertaining to the ASM site survey form.