The utility of the hypotheses presented will be assessed by evaluating their importance in explaining design variation in one area of the American Southwest. The particular region to be considered is the southern part of the Chevelon Creek drainage in east-central Arizona and the Phoenix Park, Day, and Cottonwood Wash drainages to the east of Chevelon Creek. Inasmuch as these areas have only recently received the attention of archaeologists and little published material is available, I will summarize the work that has been done in the area and the knowledge of the area's prehistory. First, however, a brief outline of the prehistory of the northern part of the American Southwest will be included for those who are unfamiliar with the area.

The American Southwest

The Chevelon Canyon area generally is considered part of the northern half of the American Southwest in terms of prehistoric cultural traits and evolutionary patterns. For the purpose of this study, the latter area is defined roughly as the northeastern and east-central parts of Arizona, the western half of New Mexico, the extreme southwestern portion of Colorado, and the southeastern corner of Utah. Several cultural units or areas have been defined within that general area, of which the most inclusive for the period after A.D. 1 are the Mogollon and Anasazi.