Excavations at Scorpion Site

Dating the Component

The early Dona Ana phase occupations at the Scorpion site are distinguished by the presence of Mimbres Black-on-white, Middle Style III, dated in the Mimbres region from AD 1050 to 1110, and the El Paso Bichrome, with less secure dates from AD 800 to 1250.  Although decorated types were uncommon, they co-occurred in early Dona Ana phase features at the site. 

The component was directly dated by 15 radiocarbon and 2 tree-ring determinations.  Tree-ring dates are 1064vv and 1070vv, both from Structure 5, the largest and deepest at the site.  Statistical averaging of the radiocarbon determinations produced a pooled mean two-sigma calibration of AD 997 to 1146.