Ute tribe, University of Colorado launch archaeology project

CORTEZ, Colo. (AP) – The Ute Mountain Ute tribe is partnering with the University of Colorado to develop a field school to document and preserve ruins on the reservation.

The Cortez Journal reports students participated in a study of the Cowboy Wash Pueblo on the reservation in June. The ancient site is believed to have been occupied by Puebloans during the late Pueblo III period between 1100 A.D. and 1300 A.D.

Archaeologist James Potter says they were able to uncover more information about the pueblo during the recent dig, helping them come to conclusions about its history.

Students surveyed the pueblo, conducted excavations, discovered a pottery firing site and uncovered plastered floors.

The project is under the supervision and guidance of the tribe, CU faculty, PaleoWest Archaeology and the Crow Canyon Archaeology Center.

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Information from: Cortez Journal, http://www.cortezjournal.com/