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The Dan Canyon burial was discovered at a time when the philosophy, ethics, and legislation concerning the study of human remains are in a state of flux. A number of important sensitive issues germane to managers, archeologists, and American Indians are discussed in the introduction. The subsequent analysis provides a detailed scientific account of these remains and a glimpse of a segment of a people's past lifeway while remaining sensitive to the wishes of the American Indians.

The burial and associated grave goods of site 42SA21339 were exposed by wave action in a location frequented by boaters at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The Park Superintendent made the decision that the burial should be removed immediately to prevent further damage by visitors and lake water. The Park Archeologist and other park personnel documented and mapped the site. Subsequently, two Native American groups were consulted concerning the disposition of the burial materials, the Navajo and the Hopi. The Navajos' response allowed up to a year for analysis, while the Hopi requested that analysis be limited to five months.

In analysis, several issues were addressed using a variety of data, including paleopathological, chronological, technological, social, and economic information. At the request of the Hopi, the methods used for recovery of data emphasized non-destructive and non-intrusive procedures.

The site is near Moqui Canyon, on the Colorado River arm of Lake Powell, on the west slope of the Red Rock Plateau, near the maximum range of both the Kayenta and the Mesa Verde Anasazi.

Consisting only of two features, the site includes the grave of a child with burial goods and a remnant of a small granary, with no other cultural materials. Burial goods include a variety of perishable and nonperishable goods, including an anomalous ceramic canteen in the style of Tusayan Black-on-red, but decorated with a white mineral paint. Compared with burial goods included with other Anasazi of the same age group, these goods are commensurate with those expected for an individual of average economic and social status. Artifacts indicate this burial is late PIII, Horsefly Hollow Phase in the period A.D. 1210 to 1260, the final Anasazi occupation of this area (Lipe 1970).

The human remains and associated food remains indicate that this average, healthy child experienced periodic nutritional stress, probably due to an inadequate and homogenous diet. The coprolites recovered from the burial are uniquely homogeneous, the macrobotanical portion consisting only of highly processed grass seed, probably all rice grass (Oryzopsis).Pollen extraction yielded mostly grass pollen (Poaceae). The remaining pollen suggested that Mormon tea (Ephedra) had been ingested, possibly medicinally, and that death occurred in winter or early spring. Developmental and other skeletal characteristics indicate this individual was approximately 3.5 years old at death and was in good health. Regularly spaced Harris lines indicate some form of periodic stress.

Investigations in nearby areas indicate that this was a period of environmental degradation and that Anasazi populations may have experienced nutritional stress or other consequential forms of physiological stress. Studies of both prehistoric populations and living populations suggest that a number of methods were employed to support individuals through periods of stress, and to promote the well-being of the group. This burial has provided much unique and important information regarding the economic and dietary systems, and the general health of an individual.

Reburial was conducted on March 6 and 7, 1991, near Page, Arizona, by representatives of the Hopi, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Midwest Archeological Center (MWAC). Research results were presented to the Hopi representatives on the evening of March 6, along with two copies of the draft report for review. This meeting allowed candid discussion regarding philosophies, research goals, laws, jurisdiction, and finances. The remains were reburied near their point of origin on March 7.

The original field work was performed by Chris Kincaid and Marla Knickrehm of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, under very difficult conditions. Analysis of the cultural materials was conducted by Steve Dominguez, MWAC, who also coordinated all the analyses. Karl Reinhard and Kari Sandness of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln were contracted to analyze the human remains and the pollen and macrobotanical remains. Dennis Danielson of MWAC analyzed the phytoliths. Cherie Edwards of UNL sorted material collected from screening and identified macrobotanical remains. Linda Scott-Cummings of PaleoResearch Laboratories in Denver identified the wood. Mo Ghazi of UNL identified the material of the pendant. Bret Radcliff of UNL examined the insect remains. Rob Bozell of the Nebraska State Historical Society identified the faunal materials.

In addition to the specialists mentioned above, we would especially like to thank Robert Hannay and Amy Smith, who promptly reported the burial to Park authorities. We would also like to thank the Hopi Tribe, who kindly allowed this research, especially Leigh Jenkins, Chairman of the Division of Cultural Affairs of the Hopi, and Dalton Taylor of Shungopovi; Ranger Steve Luckeson for effors in recording and protecting the site; Phil Geib of the University of Northern Arizona for his extremely helpful observations on the artifacts; John Lancaster and John Ridenour of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; and Adrienne Anderson, Rocky Mountain Regional Archeologist, for help in the financial and bureaucratic issues.