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Show Ancient Grave Site Uncovered By Archeology Dept. An ancient grave site described des-cribed as a "moderately rare" fini was uncovered by the College Col-lege of Southern Utah archeology archeolo-gy department this week under the direction of Dr. Richard Thompson. The burial mound, located two miles west of Summit, Iron County, Coun-ty, contained a skeleton of an adult male, approximate 25 years of age. Dr. Thompson stated that a rough estimate would place the site in the Puebloid period around the year 1000 A. D. The skull showed the artificial flattening at the back which was one of the characteristics in dating. The grave was found under seven feet of site material. Dr. Thompson explained that Immediate Imme-diate exposure of the skeleton was necessary to prevent vandalism, vanda-lism, acts which had previously destroyed the college excavator's scientific exposed materials. He also indicated that members of the class and volunteer helpers worked in one week end almost as many hours as are normally required for the entire quarter. Working from 7 a. m. until dark Saturday night, the students stu-dents returned to the site at 7:30 a. m. Sunday morning, working with the aid of lanterns until the skeleton was removed Just before be-fore 1 a. m. Monday morning. The soil over an area of eight feet long and two feet wide had to be cut away inch by inch to a depth of some 80 Inches before exposing of the skeleton for photographic1 rtudy could begin. This particular find, and others are being prepared for display in the Southern Utah Museum of Natural History for which Dr. Thompson will act as curator. |