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Exploring Redington Archaelogy sites with the site stewards.
Nina Crowder | Miner
Site Stewards Diane Tuck and Nannette Weaver. Nina Crowder | Miner
Caves with markings in Redington. Can you spot the drawings?
Nina Crowder | Miner
San Manuel Miner
With our beautiful Arizona weather there is much to be explored in our area including many archaeology sites. Between 1275 and 1400 prehistoric people occupied the San Pedro Valley. Just around the corner from San Manuel in the Redington area there are many archaeology wonders to investigate for the outdoor enthusiasts. Many volunteers monitor the archaeological sites on state and federal land. The links between the past and the present help people see why cultural sites should be protected and preserved.
Archaeology is the study of past human life and culture by the recovery and examination of remaining material evidence such as buildings, tools, pottery, fossil relics and graves. Prehistoric archaeology studies the cultures that didn’t have a written language. The remains of past cultures help us to understand the history. Some of the historical records may include diaries, census and tax records, deeds, maps and photographs. Through the combination of documents and archaeology evidence, a better understanding of past human behavior can be acquired.
Archaeology Southwest indicates there are approximately 500 sites between Winkelman and just beyond Benson. There are some large architectural features such as ballcourts, walled villages and architectural field systems. The preservation of these sites has been successful because there is little development in the region and the local landowners are stewards of the land, protecting these sites.
One of the Site Stewards in the area is Diane Tuck. Diane has a love and passion for the history of the area. On our outing she enjoyed describing and showing us a few of the sites here in Redington. Some of the goals of a Site Steward is to preserve prehistoric, historic and paleontological resources for the purposes of conservation, scientific study and interpretation; to increase public awareness of the significance and value of cultural resources and the damage done by artifact hunters; to discourage site vandalism and the sale and trade of antiquities; to support and encourage high standards of cultural resource investigation throughout the state; to promote a better understanding and cooperation among agencies, organizations and individuals concerned about the preservation of cultural resources.
Archaeological sites and artifacts on private land are the property of the landowner. Many of the sites in Redington are on private land. When the sites are on public land or in the path of proposed project like highways or developments, many state and federal laws are provided for the study and protection of the land.
The excavation or removal of antiquities on public land is a criminal offense forbidden by law. The archaeological sites are non-renewable resources once they are destroyed or excavated they are gone forever and can’t be replaced. Archaeology isn’t about artifacts or excavations or exhibits, it’s about people! Our decisions about the future are based on the lessons we learn from the people who came before us.
If out and enjoying the Redington area or other area’s between Winkelman and Benson and come across something that looks like people might of inhabited the area, please do not remove any items, take some memorable photos and enjoy a piece of the past.
If you have an interest in becoming a Site Steward the Arizona contact information is: http://azstateparks.com/volunteer/v_sitestewards.html. For addition information please visit: www.archaeologysouthwest.org or feel free to contact Archaeology Southwest via telephone at 520-882-6946.
Nina Crowder is a resident of Mammoth. She volunteers in several local organizations. She covers events throughout the Copper Corridor and Superior Town and School governance.
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