Sonoran Pre-Hispanic Traditions

Recent archaeological research in the Sonoran region of northern Mexico reveals that pre-Hispanic traditions, previously thought to be extensions of southern or northern cultural influences, are actually the result of complex local developments. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about the region's cultural history and highlights the significance of collaborative international archaeology, which has been limited by the U.S.-Mexico border. The study defines six distinct ceramic period archaeological traditions in Sonora—Central Coast, Trincheras, Casas Grandes, Río Sonora, Huatabampo, and Serrana—demonstrating their unique origins rather than external influences. This research underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in uncovering the rich archaeological record of the region.

Villalpando, E., & McGuire, R. H. (2017). Sonoran Pre-Hispanic Traditions. In B. Mills & S. Fowles (Editors), Oxford Handbooks Online. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199978427.013.19