Missions, Herds, and Habitat: Analyzing Livestock Dynamics in the Desert Pimería Alta

Summary

This is an abstract from the "The Columbian Exchange Revisited: Archaeological and Anthropological Perspectives on Eurasian Domesticates in the Americas" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The Columbian Exchange reshaped ecosystems and societies across the Western Hemisphere, and the Pimería Alta (today Sonora and Arizona) was no exception. The establishment of Spanish colonial missions in the Pimería Alta region beginning in 1687 marked a pivotal moment, catalyzing the beginning of livestock ranching. This presentation delves into the rapidity of the spread of cattle, sheep, and horses in the Pimería Alta, highlighting their lasting influence. Focusing on zooarchaeological data derived from mission contexts, this presentation focuses on the temporal and demographic herd dynamics. Comparative analysis of precontact and postcontact faunal remains reveals the swift integration of Eurasian domesticates into local diets within a few decades of contact. These changes were never completely accepted, and historical records show how Indigenous resistance in the region impacted herd size and growth. Using agent-based modeling, we examine possible habitat impacts and scenarios to evaluate the effects of Indigenous raiding on herd growth. The transformation of landscapes through grazing practices and the permanent alteration of local dietary patterns are all legacies of these colonial-era animal introductions. Careful consideration of the dynamic relationship between herd and desert habitats helps reveal the impact and scope of the colonial introduction of livestock.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Columbian Exchange Revisited: Archaeological and Anthropological Perspectives on Eurasian Domesticates in the Americas   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 38451.0