N.M. Code R. § 4.10.15.14

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 11, June 11, 2024

Section 4.10.15.14 - COLLECTION OF ARTIFACTS DURING SURVEY

A. Collection of artifacts. Collection of artifacts from archaeological sites and isolates is strongly discouraged. Collection of artifacts from state trust lands shall be allowed only with the written permission of the Commissioner. In all other cases, collections are permitted if the items are likely to be lost through illegal collection, are required to address specific predefined research issues that necessitate laboratory analysis or are necessary for accurate classification. Collections shall be analyzed in the laboratory, reported upon in the survey report and curated at an acceptable repository pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC.

(1) Collection from archaeological sites. A sample of artifacts may be collected in accordance with the following specifications. Exceptions to these specifications are allowed with the written concurrence of the state agency.

(a) Sampling. Artifacts collected from archaeological sites shall only represent an extremely small and nominal percentage of the total surface-visible artifact assemblage and shall never involve collection of all surface-visible artifacts.

(b) Recording. Attach a list of all collected artifacts with provenience information to the LA archaeological site record and as an appendix to the survey report.

(c) Location of collected artifacts. Plot the location of each collected artifact on the site plan map unless defined spatial collection units are used such as 1-by-1 meter grid units or 1-meter diameter collection units. If collection units are employed, plot the location of each unit on the site plan map and indicate the dimensions of the collection units and artifacts collected. Plot artifact and collection unit locations relative to a permanent datum.

(2) Collection of isolates. Attach a list of all collected isolates and their GPS coordinates to 10-meter accuracy to the survey report.

B. Analysis of collected artifacts. Analyze collected artifacts in a laboratory and in accordance with current professional standards for the class of artifact in the region. At a minimum, required information includes class of artifact, make, type or series and other attributes that relate to interpretation of chronology, form and function. Include results of the analyses in the survey report.

N.M. Code R. § 4.10.15.14

4.10.15.14 NMAC - N, 1/01/06