Granado Cave

Work at Granado Cave was done in stages over a three-year period, with preparatory work devoted to mapping and reconnaissance prior to the testing phase. As in most archeological research, the most time-consuming phase involved laboratory work and analysis.

Mapping

A preliminary map was drafted in July 1976 by Hamilton and James Malone of the Texas Historical Commission. Ronald Fiesler and three associates from the Texas Speleological Society created a more accurate map of the cave's interior in November 1976. A transit was used to map in excavation units, although it was difficult to read the angles and scales due to the almost complete darkness of the interior of the cave.

Excavation

Test excavations were conducted in November 1976 around the area from which burials had been removed by Mr. Granado. Hamilton returned in 1978 with a crew of four archeologists to conduct formal excavations. A theodolite with battery-operated lights on all the scales was adopted. Also, eight fluorescent light fixtures were suspended from the cave ceiling and run from a gas-powered electric generator. Excavation units consisted of 1-m squares and profiles were recorded for each unit.

All fill was screened through 6-mm mesh. To reduce the amount of dust in the cave as a result of screening, a large smoke-evacuating fan was installed. It was vented to the outside with a length of tubular plastic.

Laboratory Work

After the excavation, work continued in the laboratory, as site maps were drawn and data were analyzed. Tasks included the reconstruction of a large Mata Red-on-Brown ceramic jar from over a dozen sherds. The jar was found by Mr. Frank Granado, although additional pieces were recovered during the archaeological excavation.

Human coprolites were studied to gain insight regarding the diet of the prehistoric inhabitants of Granado Cave and Caldwell Shelter. A large variety of local plants were eaten, with grass seeds and cactus playing significant roles, along with mesquite, waterleaf, peas, wild grapes, mint and sunflower. Mormon tea (Ephedra sp.) may have been consumed as an antidiarrhetic to counteract the magnesium-sulfate-contaminated water ubiquitous across the region.

An economic pollen spectrum characteristic of the Castile Phase was developed and compared to the pollen spectrum of the Lower Pecos and Chihuahua regions. Bones from rodents, rabbits and birds were also found, indicating that these animals were consumed.