Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey in the Inarajan River Valley Territory of Guam,
Abstract
The c. 706-acre survey area includes that portion of the Inarajan River drainage and adjacent ridges that will be subject to inundation in the event of proposed construction. Historical research at the Micronesian Area Research Center, University of Guam, and at the Bishop Museum library indicated that portions of the Inarajan area were cultivated in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Crops included rice, coconut, cacao, and coffee. Present-day land use is limited to hunting and fishing; a single pasture was noted during fieldwork. Reconnaissance survey involved walking transects through the survey area's two microenvironmental zones. Approximately 4 acres (1.5%) of Zone I (alluvial flats and taluvial slopes) and 26 acres (6%) of Zone II (savanna) were sampled. Three extensive areas of prehistoric activity, evidenced by ridge-crest pottery scatters, were located within the survey boundaries; these have been assigned temporary designations as Sites A, B, and C. A portion of one of these areas had been previously reported by Reinman as Site 66-05-0103. As probable remnants of large, complex, and as yet incompletely described sites of unknown function and structure, these sites may be expected to yield data relative to a number of research questions. Portions of Sites A and C would be impacted by the proposed construction; test excavations and intensive mapping are recommended to determine National Register eligibility and need for mitigative measures prior to commencement of any construction activities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA128266
Entities
People
- Thomas S. Dye
Organizations
- Bishop Museum