OCTOBER 1, 2014
Desert Foothills Chapter AAS presents Evelyn Billo and Robert Mark on Oct. 8
The Sears Point Archaeological District is an extensive complex site across terraces south of the Gila River and west of present day Gila Bend with over 2,000 panels of petroglyphs. Volcanic cliffs, basalt mesas, and boulders are characteristic of the area. There are thousands of petroglyph elements and archaeological elements including geoglyphs, rock piles, rings, alignments, cleared areas, trails, and historic features from the 1800s as well as temporary habitation. Sears Point was most likely a major prehistoric gathering location for collection of food resources and regional ceremonies. Prehistoric cultures represented are probably Desert Archaic, Patayan, and Hohokam with a strong possibility of a Paleo Indian presence. "An Archaeological Record of the Sears Point Petroglyph Complex" is based on the 4-year project and resulting final report and analysis on file with the Yuma Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. From Paleo Indian times to the present, this crossroads of fertile riparian habitat has been utilized by various visitors who left enticing visual clues to their presence and activities within the fragile desert environment.
Evelyn Billo is CEO and founder (1997) of Rupestrian CyberServices (RCS) to provide technical services for rock art site managers and others. She studied Rock Art for over 30 years. However, Evelyn began visiting Rock Art sites during her degree studies at New Mexico State University in the 1960s. Robert Mark earned his Ph.D. in Geology from Stanford in 1972. He joined Rupestrian CyberServices (RCS) in 1998 and is the Chief Scientist. Both Evelyn and Robert are retired physical scientists from the US Geological Survey, shared several awards from the American Rock Art Research Association (ARARA), and are certified rock art recorders for the Arizona Archaeological Society (AAS). Their assistance to various archaeologists and agencies documenting these non-renewable cultural resources are exemplary.
The general public may attend an Arizona Archaeology Society – Desert Foothills Chapter meeting at no charge, except for the holiday party in December. The AAS-DFC meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May. There are refreshments available at 7 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m., usually ending prior to 9 p.m. The meetings are held in the community building (Maitland Hall) at The Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, 6502 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331.
Visit www.azarchsoc.org/desertfoothills.
