Current Bioarchaeological Research in the Casas Grandes Region
Part of: Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)
Bioarchaeological research has played an important role in archaeological investigations of the Casas Grandes region, including interpretations of population growth, long-distance social interaction, and patterns of violence and sacrifices. There has been a steady increase of bioarchaeological analyses over the past several years that have built upon initial studies. The goal of this session is to provide a synthesis of current studies utilizing the large skeletal assemblage recovered from Paquimé, Convento, and surrounding sites. While the participants employ a range of bioarchaeological techniques, including genetic, isotopic, osteological, and paleobotanical analyses, their research converges on key issues in Southwest/Northwest prehistory, namely migration, subsistence, and social organization. By exploring population interaction and changes in subsistence practices over time, the results of these analyses can contribute significantly to the ongoing debate concerning the development of Medio period complexity, as well as the eventual collapse of Paquimé.
Other Keywords
Casas Grandes •
Migration •
stable isotope analysis •
bioarchaeology •
Dietary Reconstruction •
Osteology •
Dental Calculus •
ancient DNA •
Microfossils •
Biodistance
Geographic Keywords
North America - Southwest
Resources Inside This Collection (Viewing 1-6 of 6)
- Documents (6)
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An ancient mitochondrial DNA approach to explore pre-Columbian inhabitants ancestry at Paquimé, Casas Grandes (2016)
DOCUMENT Citation Only
The genetic analysis of different periods in specific spatial territories could contribute to understand patterns of interactions for pre-Columbian populations that lived in northwest Mexico. Especially for those sites that show debated cultural traits such as Paquimé, the use of all possible bioarchaeological approaches may be key to identify their population ancestry, affinities, and to evaluate possible migrants origin. This research analyzes ancient mitochondrial DNA, HVI and HVII, of 14...
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Dietary Patterns of Paquime: New Evidence from Dental Calculus and Microfossils (2016)
DOCUMENT Citation Only
As part of a larger multinational project, we gathered and analyzed 112 samples of dental calculus (fossilized plaque) from human remains discovered at Paquimé and other sites in the Casas Grandes river valley to identify various microfossils still present in the silica matrix. Once identified, we used the prehistoric plant remains to reconstruct human/plant relationships present during the Viejo and Medio periods in and around Paquimé. Our data suggest that maize was used throughout both time...
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Dietary variation at Paquimé (Casas Grandes) and Convento sites: Evidence from the stable isotope analysis of human bone collagen (2016)
DOCUMENT Citation Only
Paquimé (Casas Grandes), located in northern Mexico, is well known for its Medio period (AD 1200-1450) monumental architecture and the variation apparent in its mortuary practices. While previous bioarcheological studies have addressed a wide range of questions, dietary practices at Paquimé still remain largely unexplored. Stable isotope analysis of bone collagen is one technique that can directly reconstruct diets at Paquimé and identify differences between individuals, time periods, and...
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Gene Flow at Paquime: Cranial Non-Metric Approaches to Regional Social Interactions (2016)
DOCUMENT Citation Only
The origins of the Casas Grandes phenomenon remain an essential, if elusive pursuit for Southwest/Northwest archaeologists. The explanations are numerous, and include migrations, in-situ development, local emulation of prestigious Mesoamerican traits, and several different combinations therein. In this study, a series of biodistance analyses are conducted using different cranial and dental metric and non-metric traits. Several hypothesized sources of migrants and cultural transmission are...
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Habitual Postures of the Medio Period Casas Grandes People: A Comparison of Visual Art Representations and Skeletal Data (2016)
DOCUMENT Citation Only
One of the most distinctive forms to come out of the Medio period (1200-1475AD) Casas Grandes ceramic tradition was human effigy vessels. These vessels exhibit primary and secondary sexual traits, and the males and the females are seated in different postures. The males are usually seated in a squatted position, whereas the females typically sit with their legs straight out. To see if these vessels reflected real-life habitual postures, Medio period skeletal remains from Paquimé were examined....
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Isotopic Evidence for the Presence of Immigrants at Casas Grandes (2016)
DOCUMENT Citation Only
Casas Grandes is widely recognized as having cultural characteristics of both Mesoamerica and the American Southwest. Although the presence of objects and ideas from surrounding areas clearly demonstrates some degree of regional interaction, the nature and extent of Casas Grandes’ relationship with neighbouring communities is largely unresolved. In particular, one of the key issues in Chihuahuan archaeology is whether Medio period complexity arose from internal developments or external stimuli,...