Interpreting Wood Use at the Site

Species Preferences: Six different tree species were used at the site: Douglas-fir, Ponderosa pine, Pinyon pine, Juniper, Oak, and an unidentified spruce/fir. Douglas-fir and Ponderosa are the dominant species used in the masonry rooms, probably because of their size. Juniper is the dominant species used in the corral and jacal wall, probably because those structures did not require long, straight beams. The lambing pens are dominated by Douglas-fir and Pinyon; ethnographic information may help determine if these species are preferred for this type of structure and why. All of the species are locally available, except perhaps the spruce/fir. The Douglas-fir and Ponderosa grow in north-facing alcoves across the valley; the Pinyon and juniper grow on the mesa top above the site; and the oak (probably Gamble’s Oak) may have grown near a seep in a nearby alcove.
Tool Marks: The majority of the beams were harvested and modified using a metal ax. There are a few sawn beam ends and the milled lumber must have been purchased, but most of the harvesting, notching, debarking, and delimbing was done with a metal ax.
Deadwood Use: Deadwood, possibly indicated by the ++ symbol, may have been used in the lambing pens, the corral, and as a lintel in Room 1.

Tool Marks: The majority of the beams were harvested and modified using a metal ax. There are a few sawn beam ends and the milled lumber must have been purchased, but most of the harvesting, notching, debarking, and delimbing was done with a metal ax.