Geographic Origins, Status, and Identity at Paquimé, Northwest Chihuahua, Mexico

A significant portion of the population at Paquimé was born locally or within the Casas Grandes region during the Medio Period (A.D. 1200-1450), with only 13% being migrants from neighboring regions, including the American Southwest and other parts of northwest Mexico. Contrary to debates suggesting foreign elites drove cultural change, this study found that high-status burials at Paquimé belonged to locally-born individuals, indicating ritual authority rather than external influence. Most sacrificial victims were non-locals, highlighting social tensions between locals and immigrants. The research used radiogenic strontium and stable oxygen isotope analyses on a large sample of individuals from Paquimé and the Viejo Period Convento site, along with comparative samples to identify geographic origins. Mortuary analyses further assessed social status and identity.

Offenbecker, A. M. (2018). Geographic Origins, Status, and Identity at Paquimé, Northwest Chihuahua, Mexico. Arts. https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/31879