Chaco Sites
Bc 53 – Roberts’ Site
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Site Description
Bc 53 is a small house settlement located on the south side of the canyon, opposite Pueblo Bonito. Bc 53 lies 0.2 miles (0.33 km.) east of Casa Rinconada and about 450 feet (137 m.) east-northeast of Bc 51, on the eastern edge of the cluster of small house sites in the Casa Rinconada rincon. Frank H. H. Roberts, Paul Reiter, and the University of New Mexico/School of American Research field schools excavated Bc 53 in 1940-1941. The results of this excavation were never published, but unpublished field notes provide detailed information.
The site includes approximately 21 rooms and four kivas. Rather than being constructed in a single episode, wall bonding and abutting suggests rooms were gradually added to the pueblo. Ceramic frequencies from the site are dominated by Exuberant Corrugated, and Chaco and Escavada Black-on-white, suggesting an occupation primarily during the last half of the 11th century.
Alternate site designations include Ignorance Hollow, 29SJ396, and LA 4039.
Excavation History
- 1940, 1941: Excavated by Frank H. H. Roberts, Jr., Paul Reiter, William Mulloy, and the University of New Mexico/School of American Research field schools.
Size and Dates
- Primary occupation during the last half of the 11th century
- Approximately 21 rooms and four kivas.
