Archaeology Results: The archaeology results sections below contain a summary of the sites evaluated in the survey and their significance. For more detailed information on the sites (including artifacts recorded and site maps) please refer to the individual site forms. Prehistoric Archaeology: 5OT.540 5OT.540 was recorded in the 1990s and a couple of articles have been published (see Lehrburger 2005, 2006) suggesting equinox alignments. There does appear to be a shadow alignment on the rock but caution need be taken when interpreting alignments with intentional record keeping of celestial cycles. There is not substantial evidence for sedentary or semisedentary horticulturalists inhabiting the area, although there is substantial evidence for visitation and trade by horticulturalists in neighboring areas. The somewhat cyclical movements of mobile hunter-gatherers are more varied than would facilitate construction and use of intricate solar calendars. An alignment certainly might indicate seasonality, but the correlation between solar calendars and agriculture is strong. 5LA.11838 Site 5LA11838 on the Robertson property is interesting because of its position on the landscape and the dichotomy of the styles of rock art. It is likely not the only site in the vicinity that fits criteria for eligibility, but immediately fits the criteria without extensive testing that is not within the scope of this project. Poitry Creek flows intermittently, but the pool below the rock art panel has not been known to go dry during historic times. The ranchers’ fish, swim and picnic at the pool and prehistorically there would have been a similar resource pull with the wild chokecherries, etc. This oasis in the steppe landscape creates a site density in the vicinity much higher than the surrounding plains. The other very interesting aspect of the site is the dichotomy in the rock art itself. Apparently the patina on the sandstone wall is much harder than the sandstone itself. As a result, the pecked art on a portion of the panel has eroded fairly extensively. The figures are recognizable, but they are deeply incised, seemingly because they have eroded deeper since they were produced. The obvious Late Prehistoric figure, holding a bow and arrow, has none of the erosion seen on the apparent earlier pecked figures. While there is no obvious chemical method of dating the various figures in the panel, stylistic variation can be chronologically assessed.
5LA.11838 Petroglyph
5LA.11838 Watering Hole
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5LA.11838 Petroglyph