Through Time: the Temporal Distribution of Motif 3 During the Period 575-650
The 45 Degree Form was present at four sites: three in Montezuma County, Colorado and one in McKinley County, New Mexico. As can be seen from the chart below, all four of these sites were occupied after A.D. 600.
In contrast, the 90 Degree Form was present at 18 sites: 11 in Montezuma County, Colorado; three in San Juan County and two in McKinley County, New Mexico; and two in San Juan County, Utah. Of these, at least four, and possibly six, were occupied before A.D. 600. Two of the sites (5MT9168 and 5MV1285) contained examples of both the 45 and 90 Degree forms.
The presence of the 90 Degree form at several early sites raises the possibility that this version of Motif 3 may have an antecedent in the Basketmaker II period. However, the author is unaware of any direct evidence for this.
The temporal and spatial distribution of the 45 Degree form suggests that this form was developed locally in northwest New Mexico or southwest Colorado after A.D. 600. Interestingly, it is fairly easy to postulate an antecedent for the 45 Degree form: the 90 Degree form, as illustrated below.
The temporal and spatial distribution of the 45 Degree form suggests that this form was developed locally in northwest New Mexico or southwest Colorado after A.D. 600. Interestingly, it is fairly easy to postulate an antecedent for the 45 Degree form: the 90 Degree form, as illustrated below.
