1963 Map of Vekol Mountains

About this map

Sif Vaya and Chiapuk sit within the vast southern Arizona landscape during this mid-century survey, which documents the topography of the Papago Indian Reservation. The settlement patterns shown here are defined by deep desert basins and the prominent mountain ranges that divide them. Based on fieldwork originally conducted in the late 1930s and updated in the 1960s, this record provides a look at the desert floor before significant modern development, emphasizing the isolated nature of these communities. These locations illustrate how indigenous habitation and movement across the terrain were tied to the available natural resources and seasonal water sources in a demanding arid environment.