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Article Title
An Assessment of Archeological Sites 41WY71 and 41WY72, Willacy County, Texas
Abstract
This report prepared by D. William Day describes the results of continuing archeological investigations along the North Ditch in eastern Willacy County, Texas. Two sites discovered in the initial survey of the proposed channel alignment, 4lWY7l and 4lWY72, are discussed in this report. The findings at the sites support previous interpretations regarding temporary and semipermanent camps within the area. These are thought to represent a hunting and gathering adaptation which conforms to the Restricted Wandering model. A rather exciting find of seven obsidian or green glass flakes and chips at 4lWY72 provides additional information regarding possible trade between the Rio Grande Delta peoples and groups in Mexico. The local sponsors of the North Ditch project, represented by Judge Ramiro Guerra and Mr. Ray Hunt of Edinburg, have exercised exemplary management procedures in dealing with the archeological resources in the project area. Following the testing of the two sites and the discovery that 4lWY72 contains regionally significant remains, the sponsors proposed that the project alignment be altered to avoid conflicts with the site. They also requested additional testing at both sites to insure the new alignment would accomplish the desired avoidance. Judge Guerra and Mr. Hunt are commended for their concern with the prehistory of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and their efforts on behalf of preserving the archeological resources are appreciated.
