Publications
A reanalysis of population dynamics in the Casas Grandes region of Northern Mexico using mitochondrial DNA
A reanalysis of mitochondrial DNA from 114 individuals interred at Casas Grandes sites reveals that low levels of migration occurred diachronically, challenging the long-standing assumption that large-scale population replacement drove the rise of Paquimé in the 13th century A.D. While these findings suggest limited widescale migration, they may still explain hybridized cultural practices observed in the region. The study compares full mitogenomes from earlier (A.D. 700-1200) and later (A.D. 1200-1450) time periods to test migration hypotheses, providing new insights into population dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bioarchaeology of the Casas Grandes Region, Chihuahua, Mexico
Research on the Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, reveals significant gene flow and political interactions between Paquimé and neighboring Mimbres and West Mexican populations. Analysis of paleodemographics, biodistance, isotopes, and genomics indicates that while Paquimé absorbed local groups, high-status individuals were predominantly born within the region, with immigrants rarely achieving elite status. The study also identifies ritual violence and human sacrifice as part of public ceremonies, likely performed by elites to assert political power. Inhabitants experienced physiological stress and were smaller than their Southwestern counterparts, with mortuary practices reflecting social stratification and health disparities.
Isotopic Evidence Linking the Southern Jornada Mogollon to Turquoise Mines in the Orogrande Mining District, Jarilla Mountains, Otero County, New Mexico
A groundbreaking isotopic analysis reveals that turquoise artifacts from the Southern Jornada Mogollon region, particularly those linked to Doña Ana and El Paso-phase sites near New Mexico's Jarilla Mountains, overwhelmingly originate from the Orogrande mining district. This finding confirms that precontact miners sourced turquoise exclusively from this region, the only significant source in the area. Modern geological samples from Orogrande exhibit isotope signatures that align with prehistoric materials, solidifying their provenance. Additionally, evidence suggests that turquoise from this region circulated beyond the Jornada Mogollon territory, notably reaching the Mimbres region. The study underscores the importance of future research to trace turquoise distribution and exchange across broader Mogollon regions, including the Casas Grandes area.
The Keepers of Tradition: Clown Societies in the Casas Grandes and Puebloan Worlds
Clown societies among the Casas Grandes culture, centered in Chihuahua, Mexico, played a significant role during the Medio Period (AD 1200–1450), with potential influence on the development of Puebloan clown societies. These clowns, often seen as avatars of Sun Youth, were integral to governance, katsina ritualism, medicine societies, and the agricultural cycle. The study combines archaeological, ethnohistorical, and ethnological data from the U.S. Southwest and northwest Mexico to uncover their complex roles and societal significance.
High levels of consanguinity in a child from Paquimé, Chihuahua, Mexico
A child burial at Paquimé, Chihuahua, Mexico—a multicultural center from the 13th–14th centuries AD—reveals high levels of consanguinity between parents, suggesting elite social practices. Ancient DNA analysis of Burial 23-8, placed under a central post in an important room, indicates that this child's genetic relationship with its parents was likely due to close relatives, reinforcing the role of aggrandizement among Paquimé’s ruling class. The study sheds light on the social dynamics of this pivotal archaeological site, bridging Mesoamerican and Ancestral Puebloan influences.
Reevaluating the Suma Occupation in the Casas Grandes Valley, Chihuahua, Mexico
A reevaluation of the Suma occupation in the Casas Grandes Valley challenges long-standing assumptions about their relationship to the ancient Paquimé civilization. Contrary to previous interpretations, evidence suggests the Suma were likely long-term residents with cultural ties to Paquimé, organized into horticulture villages and exhibiting sophisticated practices. This conclusion emerges from a dual approach: contextualizing historical accounts within contemporary frameworks and comparing material culture data from the 1958–1961 Joint Casas Grandes Expedition. The study not only critiques earlier narratives about Suma origins but also broadens the understanding of Native American responses to colonial settings, offering new insights into the resilience and continuity of indigenous societies in the face of significant cultural shifts.
Spatial and Temporal Limits of the Casas Grandes Tradition: A View from the Fronteras Valley
A new analysis of the Casas Grandes tradition, based on data from northeastern Sonora, challenges traditional narratives of its spatial and temporal limits. Unlike the widely accepted model of a dramatic collapse during the Medio period (AD 1200–1450/1500), this study reveals a pattern of cultural continuity in the Fronteras Valley, where sedentary farmers maintained occupation from the eleventh century through the colonial period. This suggests that immigrant groups introduced Casas Grandes traditions, which persisted unevenly across hinterland regions due to shared religious beliefs and practices. The findings offer an alternative scenario for understanding the resilience and adaptability of this tradition beyond its core area in northwest Chihuahua.
Diet and Dietary Variation at Prehistoric Casas Grandes, Mexico
A study of stable isotopes from collagen and tooth enamel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, Mexico, reveals that while diets were generally consistent across social groups during the Medio period (1200-1450 CE), significant variations existed in water use practices and early-life nutrition. The research found no isotopic differences between local and non-local individuals, cultural periods, age categories, or sex, but detected distinct stable hydrogen isotope values between the Viejo and Medio periods, likely due to changes in irrigation. Additionally, dietary shifts during infancy and early childhood were identified through carbon isotope ratios from teeth. Notably, while high-status burials did not show isotopic differences, specific burial units linked to ritual activities exhibited variations, suggesting nuanced dietary practices tied to social and ceremonial contexts.
First Full Vector Archeomagnetic Data From Northern Mexico
Archeomagnetic data from nine pottery kilns at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, provide the first full vector determinations for Northern Mexico. This study challenges the existing Mexican secular variation curve by showing that geomagnetic field behavior in this region aligns more closely with the Western North American curve and the global SHAWQ2k model. The findings suggest that the previously modeled peak in inclination around 1200–1300 CE does not occur, offering new insights into regional geomagnetic history. Researchers used rock magnetic experiments to identify a Ti-poor titanomagnetite phase and applied alternating field/thermal demagnetization and the Thellier-Thellier protocol to estimate characteristic directions and archeointensities, correcting for anisotropy and cooling effects.
Recent Research in the Sahuaripa Region of Sonora, Mexico
Recent research in the Sahuaripa and Bacanora valleys of Sonora, Mexico, reveals significant demographic growth post-1000 AD, contrasting with other regions in Northwest/Southwest (NW/SW) Mexico. Radiocarbon dating supports this finding, indicating substantial population increases during a period marked by notable demographic shifts elsewhere. Material culture analysis, including polychrome ceramics and obsidian artifacts, demonstrates extensive local and regional connections, particularly with neighboring Río Sonora groups and Huatabampo. These artifacts also suggest long-distance trade networks linking the Sahuaripa Valley to Casas Grandes and potentially West Mexico, implying a corridor of exchange that influenced macro-scale interaction patterns in late-precolonial NW/SW Mexico. The study integrates radiocarbon dating, material culture analysis, and spatial data to reconstruct demographic trends and interaction networks.
Not So Far from Paquimé: Essays on the Archaeology of Chihuahua, Mexico
The archaeological investigation of the southern portion of the Casas Grandes region, led by the Proyecto Arqueológico Chihuahua (PAC), reveals significant continuity between the Viejo and Medio periods, challenging the perception that Paquimé's influence was widespread. The study, spanning 28 sites, documents a strong agricultural focus during these periods, with maize cultivation peaking in the Viejo period. Ceramic analysis identifies new polychrome types and local pottery production, while survey work highlights cultural distinctions between the La Cruz and Viejo occupations. Unlike northern sites, southern zones lacked irrigation agriculture, leading to divergent social transformations. The research underscores the value of studying peripheral areas for understanding broader archaeological narratives.
The Casas Grandes Polity in the International Four Corners
Archaeological evidence from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Archaeological Zone of Paquimé (Casas Grandes), reveals that this prehistoric settlement was one of the most highly centralized political systems in northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Located in northwestern Chihuahua, Casas Grandes exhibited significant economic differentiation and centralization during its Diablo phase, suggesting an increase in population and complexity compared to earlier periods. The study highlights the nonsubsistence economy, particularly focusing on ritual architecture and trade, which positioned Casas Grandes as a major trading hub known as 'a fallen trading center of the Gran Chichimeca.' This research underscores the advanced sociopolitical organization and economic strategies of prehistoric societies in the region.
Chemical compositional analysis of polychrome pottery in the northern Casas Grandes area (a.d. 1200-1450)
Geochemical analysis of polychrome pottery from the archaeological site 76 Draw, located on the border of the Casas Grandes and Salado regions (A.D. 1200-1450), reveals that Ramos Polychrome vessels—key to the religious system of the Casas Grandes culture—were produced at multiple locations, including near Paquimé and possibly at 76 Draw itself. This finding extends the known influence of the Casas Grandes interaction sphere northward into southern New Mexico, supported by evidence such as roasting ovens, obsidian sourcing, shell artifacts, and bird burials. Additionally, Gila Polychrome vessels at the site were traced to a single production source in the Mimbres Valley, indicating cross-regional trade and cultural exchange during this period.
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.
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.
The Sun Youth of the Casas Grandes Culture, Chihuahua, Mexico (AD 1200–1450)
A recent archaeological study of the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, has uncovered the earliest known depiction of a solar deity among Pueblo cultures, dubbed the 'Sun Youth.' This anthropomorphic figure with a scarlet macaw head or headdress represents a Mesoamerican deity, offering new insights into the religious and cultural syncretism of the Casas Grandes culture (AD 1200–1450). The research compares Medio-period Chihuahuan polychromes with Puebloan and Mesoamerican ethnographic and archaeological data to revise current understandings of the region's social, political, and religious organization. The discovery challenges existing models by highlighting the complex interplay between Mesoamerican and Puebloan traditions in this pivotal archaeological site.
An Ethnoarchaeological Perspective on Ground Stone Production at the Santiago Quarry in the Casas Grandes Region of Chihuahua, Mexico
A ground stone quarry, the first of its kind discovered in the Casas Grandes region of northern Mexico, reveals critical insights into the production of finely crafted manos and metates. The study, conducted during a 2013 survey project, identified the Santiago Quarry as a site where these tools were manufactured using specialized stone tools. By analyzing the morphology of the site and the toolkit of ancient 'metateros' (metate makers), researchers provide a detailed account of prehistoric ground stone production techniques. Ethnoarchaeological observations of modern metates further enrich the interpretation, offering a bridge between past practices and contemporary understanding. This discovery sheds light on the technological sophistication and cultural significance of ground stone tool production in the region.
Ancient mitochondrial DNA and ancestry of Paquimé inhabitants, Casas Grandes (A.D. 1200–1450)
A genetic analysis of ancient Paquimé inhabitants reveals strong affinities with the Mimbres culture, suggesting close biological ties between these groups. The study, using mitochondrial DNA from 14 samples, identified four distinct Amerindian lineages (B, A, C, and D), with the majority shared or derived from ancient Southwest populations. While this supports bioarchaeological evidence of connections to Puebloan cultures in the Southwestern U.S., the causes behind Paquimé's cultural development remain unclear. The research employed PCR and Sanger sequencing to compare haplotypes against available data, providing preliminary insights into the ancestry of this significant UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dressing the Person: Clothing and Identity in the Casas Grandes World
A study of human effigies from the Medio-period (A.D. 1200–1450) at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, reveals that clothing and adornments played a significant role in gender symbolism and identity expression. The research finds that males were associated with more elaborate dress, including headbands, while females were linked to fertility symbolism, such as cloud motifs and sternal decorations. Both sexes shared certain attire elements like arm bands, but distinct differences emerged in belts and sandals. The study also identifies continuities in dress from earlier cultures like the Classic Mimbres (A.D. 1000–1150) into historic northern Mexican and southwestern groups, suggesting persistent cultural practices. This analysis underscores how clothing and adornments encoded gender roles within a broader ritual system.
El Paso Phase Obsidian Procurement in Southern New Mexico: Implications for Jornada Mogollon Regional Interaction and Exchange
A study of obsidian procurement during the El Paso phase in southern New Mexico reveals that while Rio Grande gravel sources were predominant, non-local sources—including Cerro Toledo Rhyolite and Mule Creek projectile points—were also used. This challenges the assumption of exclusive reliance on local resources, with both Cottonwood Spring Pueblo and Madera Quemada Pueblo showing similar but not identical sourcing patterns. The findings contrast sharply with contemporaneous sites in the Casas Grandes region, suggesting distinct regional interaction dynamics. Researchers used EDXRF spectrometry to analyze obsidian artifacts, addressing gaps in previous studies by examining procurement practices and their implications for exchange networks.
Social Interaction, Social Status, and the Organization of Medio Period Craft Production as Evidenced in Ground Stone Artifacts from 76 Draw
Ground stone artifacts from the Medio period (AD 1200 to 1450) settlement of 76 Draw, part of the Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, reveal distinct patterns in craft production compared to the regional political center. Analysis of 255 items shows a focus on utilitarian household tools, contrasting sharply with Paquimé’s assemblage, which emphasizes non-utilitarian ornaments and religiously significant effigies produced by specialists. This suggests that social differentiation evident at Paquimé did not extend across the broader Casas Grandes region, despite shared technological systems for utilitarian ground stone tools.
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.
Successful reconstruction of whole mitochondrial genomes from ancient Central America and Mexico
Researchers successfully reconstructed whole mitochondrial genomes from ancient dental samples, providing the first genetic evidence linking Greater Nicoya and Casas Grandes cultures to contemporary Isthmo-Columbian and Greater Southwest populations. Using advanced mitogenome capture and high-throughput sequencing, the study analyzed 14 samples from northwest Costa Rica (A.D. 800-1250) and Mexico (A.D. 1200-1450), achieving full reconstructions for eight individuals. The findings reveal distinct haplogroups in Greater Nicoya (B2d, associated with Chibchan-speakers) and Casas Grandes (C1c1a, C1c5, B2f, and B2a, linked to North American and Mesoamerican populations). This breakthrough addresses long-standing questions about the genetic affinities of borderland cultures in ancient Mesoamerica.
The Economy of Specialized Ceramic Craft Production in the Casas Grandes Region
Specialized ceramic production existed at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, during the Medio period (AD 1200 to 1450), but it was limited to economically valuable goods like Ramos and Babicora Polychromes. Geometric morphometrics analysis revealed that while some Ramos Polychrome vessels were likely made by attached specialists linked to elites at Paquime, the religious center, others were produced independently. This suggests a nuanced organization of production in mid-level hierarchically organized societies, challenging the idea that all specialized goods were controlled by elites. The study advances understanding of artifact standardization and its relationship to social structure, while also demonstrating the utility of geometric morphometrics in archaeological research.
The Ritual Mode of Production in the Casas Grandes Social Field
A shift from domestic to ritual labor appropriation occurred in the Casas Grandes region, Mexico, during the Medio period (AD 1200–1450), particularly around Paquimé. Unlike traditional modes of production, this new system channeled surplus labor into site construction, communal agriculture for feasting, and advanced craftsmanship while maintaining limited elite exploitation. The study argues that these changes represent an evolution rather than a complete departure from the domestic mode, suggesting a nuanced social organization in pre-Hispanic societies.
Ancient Paquimé and the Casas Grandes World
Ancient Paquimé and the Casas Grandes World, derived from a 2012 conference, synthesizes current archaeological knowledge of the Casas Grandes region in northwest Mexico and the U.S., revealing significant insights into the complex societies that thrived in this area. The study emphasizes the advanced urban planning, trade networks, and cultural developments of Paquimé which stood as a major center during its peak between 1300 and 1450 CE. By integrating findings from multiple disciplines, including archaeology, anthropology, and history, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of the region's socio-political organization, economic strategies, and interactions with surrounding cultures. The approach combines extensive field surveys, artifact analysis, and comparative studies to reconstruct the dynamic world of Casas Grandes, offering a nuanced perspective on its significance in Mesoamerican history.
Clasificacion geoespacial de los indicadores del medio fisico para la recarga del acuifero Palomas-Guadalupe Victoria, Chihuahua, Mexico
A geo-spatial classification method effectively identifies zones with high potential for aquifer recharge in the Palomas-Guadalupe Victoria aquifer, located in northern Mexico. The study, conducted using vector data and ASTER satellite images, categorized the Lower Basin of Casas Grandes River into three classes based on physical indicators. Class 3, covering an area of 192.94 km² along mountain foothills and river channels, shows the highest recharge potential, followed by Class 2 (838.83 km²) and Class 1 (747.97 km²). This methodology proves highly effective in pinpointing areas suitable for aquifer replenishment strategies, addressing critical water sustainability challenges in endorheic basins where significant water loss occurs through evapotranspiration.
Plant Microfossils Recovered from Dental Calculus at Casas Grandes, Mexico
Dental calculus from ancient human remains at Paquimé, Casas Grandes, Mexico, has revealed microfossils that provide unprecedented insights into prehistoric flora and dietary practices. Analysis of 112 silica-embedded samples identified plant microfossils, shedding light on the types of vegetation present during ancient times and their potential uses—whether as food or processing materials. This study, part of a broader multinational project, demonstrates how microfossil analysis can reconstruct paleoenvironments and human-plant interactions with remarkable precision.
The Darts of Dawn: The Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli Venus Complex in the Iconography of Mesoamerica and the American Southwest
A striking parallel emerges between the symbolic roles of Venus as the Morning Star in Mesoamerica and the American Southwest, particularly in relation to warfare and cosmology. The study reveals that while these regions share a complex Venus iconography, it likely originated from Postclassic period interactions rather than enduring shared cosmologies. Tracing the dissemination of this symbolism—evident by AD 900 in West Mexico, AD 1200 in Northwest Mexico (e.g., Paquimé), and AD 1300 in the American Southwest—the research suggests that cultural exchange during the Aztatlán tradition’s expansion influenced its spread. Comparisons between Mesoamerica’s Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, a skeletal deity linked to Quetzalcoatl, and the Hopi Morning Star deity Sotuqnangu highlight historically related attributes. The study posits that this ritual-symbolic complex, tied to warfare and fertility, was disseminated through expanding networks rather than ancient continuity.
Cultural Effects on Phenetic Distances Among Postclassic Mexican and Southwest United States Populations
A study of Postclassic period populations (900–1520 CE) in the Southwest United States and Mesoamerica reveals that trade and shared migration history significantly shaped biological relationships, overriding geographic distances. Using dental morphological traits to measure phenetic distances, researchers found strong correlations between these cultural factors and genetic affinities, even when controlling for geography. Trade (correlation = 0.223) and migration history (correlation = 0.493) remained statistically significant, suggesting that economic exchange and movement of people played pivotal roles in population connectivity across regions traditionally seen as distinct. Political interactions, however, did not show a significant impact on biological relationships.
Puzzolanic materials for restoration of earthen architecture
Research reveals that ancient civilizations, including those at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé (Casas Grandes), employed lime as a stabilizing agent in earthen architecture to enhance mechanical strength and resistance against weathering. Traces of lime, combined with earth, were found in walls and mud coatings at Paquimé, demonstrating its historical application for durability. This finding underscores the potential of puzzolanic materials—lime-based compounds that react chemically with earth—to improve the longevity of traditional construction techniques. The study highlights a less-studied but critical aspect of ancient engineering, offering insights that could inform modern restoration practices for earthen structures worldwide.
Wealth, Status, Ritual, and Marine Shell at Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico
A groundbreaking analysis of the vast marine shell deposits at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé (Casas Grandes) challenges conventional interpretations, proposing that these shells were not merely symbols of wealth or trade but served as repositories of supernatural power integral to the site's ritual system. The study argues that the extensive shell hoards, along with other features such as reservoirs and water shrines, functioned as 'animate objects' within a materialist perspective, central to the community's spiritual practices. This interpretation shifts the focus from economic or status-related explanations to the role of these artifacts in ceremonial contexts, offering a novel framework for understanding the site's significance during its prehistoric occupation.
Casas Grandes Phenomenon
The Casas Grandes Phenomenon, spanning from AD 1200 to 1450, represents one of the most socially complex pre-Columbian cultural systems in North America's Southwest. This phenomenon, characterized by a distinctive political and religious system, featured prominent horned serpent and macaw imagery across polychrome pottery, rock art, and architecture. The research highlights Paquimé (also known as Casas Grandes) as the economic and political core of this system, situated on river flood plains and surrounded by pueblolike communities. The study underscores the significance of symbolic systems in shaping societal structures during this period.
Ceramics and Polity in the Casas Grandes Area, Chihuahua, Mexico
New research challenges the long-held belief that the Medio period (ca. A.D. 1150–1475) at Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico, represented an evolutionary peak of pottery development. Instead, it reveals that fine polychrome designs with elaborate motifs were introduced around A.D. 1300 alongside older, simpler styles, coinciding with the rise of the primate center's prestige. This symbolic shift likely contributed to Casas Grandes' prominence but also its collapse in the fifteenth century. Importantly, the study suggests that post-Casas Grandes communities may have persisted, contradicting the assumption of widespread abandonment. The research combines dating techniques and ceramic analysis to reexamine the region's political and cultural trajectory.
Rock Art in the Casas Grandes Region: Report of Seven New Sites and a Review of the Literature
A significant advancement in the documentation of rock art in the Casas Grandes region, Mexico, has been made with the identification and description of seven new sites. This study builds upon early observations by Adolph Bandelier in 1884 and Carl Lumholtz in 1891, who first recorded rock art in northern Chihuahua. The research combines historical literature review with fieldwork to contribute previously unknown pictographs and petroglyphs to the regional record. Bandelier's original sketches, unpublished until now, provide the earliest visual evidence of rock art in this area. The study also highlights the role of local knowledge, such as that shared by Mormon families with Lumholtz, in locating these sites. While earlier expeditions, including the 1958 Casas Grandes Joint Expedition, noted some rock art sites, this work expands the catalog significantly and sets a new benchmark for understanding the cultural significance of rock art in the region.
The Eye of God: Tranquility and Tradition . . . Mata Ortiz Pottery in Harmony with the Ancients
A significant pottery tradition from the ancient city of Paquimé, inhabited between AD 900 and 1450, has been identified as one of the highest forms of prehistoric North American art. This tradition is reflected in the contemporary Mata Ortiz pottery, which draws inspiration from Paquimé's iconography and techniques. The study highlights the cultural continuity and economic impact on the community of Mata Ortiz, where over 400 residents are potters, with some achieving global recognition. However, it also notes a darker historical practice of digging up ancient pots to sell them as new ones, which persists today. The research combines ethnographic observation, archaeological collaboration, and oral history, providing insight into the complex heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where the Rivers Run North
Archaeological research suggests that the development of the Casas Grandes Culture, centered around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Paquimé, was not solely due to immigration from the Ancestral Pueblos during the Medieval Drought. Instead, it likely emerged from local population growth and adaptation in northern Chihuahua's valleys, including those of the Rio Grande, Gila, Salt Rivers, and Río Casas Grandes. This challenges earlier theories that attributed the culture's origins primarily to southern migration. The study integrates archaeological evidence with environmental data to re-evaluate the region's complex history, highlighting its role as a dynamic corridor for human movement, trade, and cultural exchange across millennia.
From Archaeology to Ideology in Northwest Mexico: Cerro de Moctezuma in the Casas Grandes Ritual Landscape
Cerro de Moctezuma, a hilltop settlement in the Casas Grandes ritual landscape of northwest Mexico, was not merely an ordinary residence but a specialized ideological center with unique architectural and symbolic features. Unlike other Media period settlements (A.D. 1200-1450), El Pueblito on Cerro de Moctezuma stands out due to its distinct construction materials, imposing buildings, and untypical settlement composition, suggesting a focus on ritual and community interactions. Comparative analyses of artifacts revealed no extraordinary differences in ceramics or stone tools, but other evidence—such as wood preference, bird wings, and elk remains—pointed to specialized, ideological interests. The site's trails, wayside shrines, and hill summit precinct were physical and symbolic places that shaped perceptions of the hill, positioning Cerro de Moctezuma as a ritual center reinforcing central beliefs from Paquime, the premier capital of the region.
Rapid response of a grassland ecosystem to an experimental manipulation of a keystone rodent and domestic livestock
A study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, reveals that domestic cattle and prairie dogs—keystone burrowing rodents—exert synergistic impacts on grassland ecosystems. The research found nearly twofold increases in prairie dog abundance when cattle were present, leading to significantly lower vegetation height where both species co-occurred compared to plots without them. This interaction also influenced the abundance and composition of other grassland animals, including grasshoppers and banner-tailed kangaroo rats. Conducted using a long-term 2 x 2 factorial experiment in Mexico's Janos-Casas Grandes region, the study highlights the distinctive and combined roles of these herbivorous mammals in shaping grassland structure and function.
Reconsidering the Size and Structure of Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico
A reexamination of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Archaeological Zone of Paquimé (Casas Grandes), challenges long-held assumptions about its size and structure. Contrary to previous estimates suggesting a vast U-shaped pueblo with up to 2,300 rooms and nearly 5,000 residents, this study proposes a more compact central linear room block, flanked by smaller, scattered one-story units. The original room count is revised downward by approximately 50%, significantly altering models of internal and regional organization for Casas Grandes. This conservative reanalysis relies on a meticulous reassessment of architectural configurations, emphasizing the need to critically evaluate foundational interpretations in archaeological research.
The First Prehispanic Chile (Capsicum) from the U.S. Southwest/Northwest Mexico and its Changing Use
Researchers have identified the first prehispanic cultivated chile (Capsicum annuum) seed from the U.S. Southwest and northwest Mexico, dating to the Medio period (A.D. 1200–1450). The carbonized seed, recovered near Casas Grandes in Chihuahua, challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of chile cultivation in the region. This discovery sheds light on its role among indigenous communities before Spanish contact and highlights a distinct prehispanic context for crop introductions compared to postcontact transformations. The study combines archaeological evidence with historical analysis to trace chile's evolving significance, offering new insights into its cultural and dietary impact.
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