Elites and Human Sacrifices at Paquimé: A Bioarchaeological Assessment

Bioarchaeological evidence from Paquimé, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and center of the Casas Grandes culture, reveals ritual human sacrifice linked to elite burials. Analysis of a complex subfloor tomb containing 12 individuals showed stark differences between two burial layers: commingled remains of unhealthy older sub-adults with extreme post-mortem processing, and articulated elites with elaborate mortuary treatment, good health, and no post-mortem alteration. These findings align with Mesoamerican sacrificial practices, suggesting the commingled remains were companion sacrifices for the elite, reflecting culturally specific ritual violence and political dynamics at Paquimé.

Waller, K. D., Offenbecker, A. M., Kelley, J. H., & Katzenberg, M. A. (2018). Elites and Human Sacrifices at Paquimé: A Bioarchaeological Assessment. Kiva, 84(4), 403–423. https://doi.org/10.1080/00231940.2018.1538184