426 



SMITHSONIAN MISCEI^LANEUUS COLLECTIONS 



\'0L. 52 



C— MESA CITY RUINS 

 I. — Stewart Compound 



The largest ruin near Mesa, situated about two miles and a half 

 north of the post-office, is one of the largest ruins in the Salt River 

 Valley. It is now occupied by Mr. S. O. Stewart and called the 

 "Aztec Poultry Farm." His house and outbuildings stand in the 

 northeast corner of the compound. 



This compound is one of the largest and the best-defined in the 

 Salt River \^alley, measuring 430 by 250 feet. Its orientation is 

 practically north and south, the majority of the mounds being on the 

 left side. The surrounding wall can still be traced bv the slight 



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//■,ii'iiiuiiH uul M\i I n iiNn 11 1 1 1 1 : ) I inu inniiiiiiiiiii iitMlti'lMiini (Ml nil V 1 1 M < M lit! 1 1 MMM u 1 1 ( 1 1 1 1 ■» 1 1 uiunn' 



Fig. 71. — Stewart Compound 



swell in the surface of the earth. Several rooms that have been 

 excavated exhibit smooth, well-polished walls. 



There is a circular mound with depressed interior and raised 

 bank, reminding one of a similar "well"^ (z'askki) at Casa Grande, 

 situated a short distance from the compound. 



2. — Los MUERTOS 



The mounds called by Mr. F. H. Gushing "Los Muertos," are 

 those in the Salt River \'alley where much work was done by the 



' Mr. Gushing gives an account of oval structures or "sun temples" having a 

 distinct resemblance to the hollow mound at Casa Grande. According to him, 

 these "sun temples" had smooth floors with fireplaces, banquettes, and evidences 

 of ceremonial use. Remnants of the upright logs that formerly supported a 

 roof and method of construction of the roof are described by Gushing. 



