Purpose of award (summary of the goals and objectives of the project):mummy cave is the largest archaeological site in canyon DE chelly national monument

The University of New Mexico will receive $227,841 through a Cooperative Agreement award from the Department of the Interior National Park Service Intermountain Region. The funding supports a project under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System federal grant program.

Through the award period of May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2027, the University will conduct structural stability assessments, geotechnical evaluations, construction sequencing analyses, ancient plaster surveys and characterizations, and pilot plaster conservation treatments at Mummy Cave in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The project aims to identify threats to the archaeological site from erosion and deterioration, and make recommendations to address deferred maintenance needs. The information and training provided will benefit academics in historic preservation, engineering, archaeology and anthropology.

The site is threatened by erosion that could lead to the loss of archaeological deposits. Remnant plaster and masonry architecture is at risk of deterioration and collapse. Through visual and instrumental evaluation and analyses, project participants will identify threatened site components and recommend preservation treatments. This project will allow the national park service to identify and address deferred maintenance at one of its most significant archaeological sites in canyon DE chelly national monument.summary of project specific activities:project goals will be accomplished through structural stability assessments, geotechnical evaluations, an analysis of construction sequences, ancient plaster surveys and characterizations, and pilot plaster conservation treatments.performance goals including milestones and expected outcomes:structural stability assessments will identify areas of high stress, critical weakness and significant movement. Geotechnical evaluations will explore impacts to archaeological midden deposits. Construction sequencing will contribute to an understanding of the construction methods employed by the site's inhabitants. A sitewide plaster survey will result in presence/absence data for colored washes and painted or incised embellishments. Pilot plaster conservation treatments will be performed using information gathered during the plaster survey and from material characterizations.beneficiaries:the information derived from this project will benefit academics working in the fields of historic preservation, engineering, archeology, and anthropology. The project also provides staff and students from the university of new mexico with important on-site training opportunities.