Prehistory and early history of the Malpai Borderlands: Archaeological synthesis and recommendations

Abstract

Prehispanic and early historic archaeological information for the Malpai Borderlands of southwest New Mexico and southeast Arizona is reviewed using data derived from field reconnaissance, discussion with relevant scholars, archival resources from varied agencies and institutions, and published literature. Previous regional research has focused on late prehistory (A.D. 1200 to 1450), shaping the scope of cultural historical overview and providing an opportunity to examine relationships with Casas Grandes (Paquime) to the south. A second important objective of current study is the exploration of prehispanic and early historic human impacts to Borderlands ecosystems, particularly in relation fire ecology. A recommended sequence of future research is intended to address significant questions surrounding both culture history and anthropogenic environments in the Malpai Borderlands.

Sustainable use of wildlife: The view from archaeozoology

“…While evidence from terrestrial settings is far easier to obtain and interpret, various prehistoric anthropogenic impacts on marine environments are documented (Jackson, 2001;Jackson et al, 2001). Relatively low density human populations can leave substantive environmental legacies on vast areas (Briggs et al, 2006;Fish, Fish, & Madesen, 2006), including the distributions of living organisms (Gómez-Pompa & Kaus, 1990;Heckenberger et al, 2003). Hence, while these large-scale environmental impacts are outside the scope of this Special Issue, they must be kept in mind when interpreting prehistoric -as well as contemporaryinformation on the abundance and distribution of wildlife: prehistoric animals had to live in these ancient environments, and adapt to conditions and variations that occurred therein, often with alterations to their geographic distributions, abundance, and survival.…”