Archaeological data recovery was conducted at the Tortolita Vistas site, AZ AA:12:271 (ASM), prior to construction of a housing development in Marana by Cottonwood Properties. This fieldhouse site is situated on the upper bajada of the Tortolita Mountains. A single pit structure and five extramural features were discovered and completely excavated: 2 roasting pits, 2 small extramural pits, and 1 trash concentration. No human remains were found. Ceramic analysis dates the site occupation to Middle Rincon 2 times (A.D. 1040-1080). The site appears to have been occupied at least twice. The first occupation was probably longer and included the pithouse and trash concentration. These features were the only features that contained cultigens— maize and squash pollen-suggesting an agricultural use of the site occupied for at least one growing season. Evidence for wild resources, primarily cacti, was also found and was probably the reason for additional seasonal use of the site. There was little evidence of any other activities except agriculture and resource procurement and processing at the site.
