Excavations at Betatakin and Keet Seel

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Abstract
Recent excavations in the Middens at Beta takin and Keet Seel, together with material excavated at Keet Seel in 1934, complement recent tree-ring analysis of these two villages. Ceramics from Betatakin comprise a typical Tsegi Phase profile, as expected from the post-A.D. 1260 tree-ring dates. Pottery from the Keet Seel midden indicates three periods of occupation: 1) a Pueblo I occupation dating from approximately A.D. 950 to A.D. 1050; 2) a Pueblo II occupation from approximately A.D. 1050 to A.D. 1150; and 3) the standing village of Keet Seel, dating from A.D. 1250 to A.D. 1290. Stratified deposits in the Keet Seel midden are tentatively correlated with the development of the 13th century village. Rim form attributes suggest innovations during this period which may be due to immigration into the village. Rim forms, gray ware decoration and sandal types suggest cultural separation between the two villages; it is suggested that this separation relates to differences in regional affiliation, community structure, religious institutions and village distributions within the canyon. Keet Seel apparently has Mesa Verde connections lacking in Betatakin; on the basis of recent Tsegi Phase studies, it is suggested that the villages relate to two separate intercommunity networks in the Tsegi Canyon system.

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