Mogollon Horizons
An exploration into the rich tapestry of the Mogollon culture, a pivotal prehistoric civilization that shaped the landscapes of the American Southwest and Northern Mexico.
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Defining the Mogollon
Geographic Scope
The Mogollon culture represents a significant prehistoric archaeological tradition of Native American peoples. Its influence extended across southern New Mexico and Arizona, northern Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico, and western Texas. This region encompasses parts of both Oasisamerica and Aridoamerica, reflecting a complex environmental and cultural landscape.
Temporal Framework
Flourishing from the Archaic period, with origins estimated around 200 CE, the Mogollon culture persisted until the arrival of the Spanish in the mid-16th century (around 1450 or 1540 CE). This millennium-long existence allowed for substantial cultural development and regional diversification.
Archaeological Significance
As one of the most recognized prehistoric Southwestern cultural divisions, the Mogollon are distinguished by unique pottery manufacturing techniques, architectural styles, and settlement patterns. Their study provides critical insights into the diverse adaptations and innovations of early peoples in this arid region.
Distinctive Cultural Traits
Dwellings and Settlements
Mogollon architecture evolved significantly. Early settlements featured deep, circular or oval pit-houses. Over time, these transitioned to rectangular, semi-subterranean structures with rounded corners. Later periods saw the development of surface pueblos with stone and earth walls, and eventually, impressive cliff-dwellings emerged, particularly in the later phases.
Ceremonial Structures
Central to Mogollon villages were ceremonial structures, often referred to as kivas. These were typically round, semi-subterranean spaces used for rituals and community gatherings. Some later Mimbres kivas featured unique elements like foot drums and log grooves, indicating a rich ceremonial life.
Pottery Traditions
Mogollon pottery is a hallmark of their culture, characterized by a distinctive brown paste and the "coil-and-scrape" manufacturing method. While various regional styles exist, the Mimbres branch is renowned for its exquisite black-on-white painted pottery, featuring intricate geometric patterns and detailed figurative imagery.
Material Culture
Beyond pottery, Mogollon material culture included well-crafted ground-stone tools. Their mortuary practices also varied, offering insights into their beliefs and social structures. The distinctiveness of their pottery, architecture, tool design, and customs solidified their recognition as a unique cultural entity.
Origins and Evolution
Theories of Origin
The precise origins of the Mogollon culture remain a subject of scholarly debate. Leading theories suggest emergence from the indigenous Desert Archaic tradition, migration from farming regions in central Mexico, or descent from the Cochise culture, who themselves adopted farming practices from Mesoamerica.
Subsistence Strategies
Initially, Mogollon peoples were primarily foragers who supplemented their diet with early forms of agriculture. Over time, particularly during the first millennium CE, their reliance on farming likely increased. Evidence of water control features, especially in Mimbres sites from the 10th to 12th centuries, points to sophisticated agricultural management.
Village Development
Mogollon villages underwent significant transformations. From small pithouse clusters, they evolved into larger surface pueblos by the 11th century, featuring multi-room structures. The 13th and 14th centuries saw the rise of impressive cliff-dwellings, showcasing adaptation to defensive and environmental factors.
Developmental Periods
Chronological Frameworks
Archaeologists often divide Mogollon history into distinct periods based on material culture and settlement patterns. Joe Ben Wheat's influential 1955 classification identifies five periods, while another common division focuses on the evolution of housing types.
Notable Archaeological Sites
Key Locations
Significant Mogollon sites are scattered across the Southwest and Northern Mexico, offering tangible evidence of their culture. These include areas within the Gila Wilderness, the Mimbres River Valley, and along the Upper Gila River. Important sites also extend to Paquimé (Casas Grandes) in Chihuahua, Hueco Tanks near El Paso, Texas, and the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site in New Mexico.
The Mimbres Branch
Artistic Mastery
The Mimbres branch, a prominent subset of the Mogollon culture, is celebrated for its exceptionally crafted pottery, particularly the Classic Mimbres phase (c. 1000–1150 CE). This pottery is distinguished by its white background adorned with intricate black-on-white designs.
Decline and Dispersal
Around 1130–1150 CE, the production of Classic Mimbres pottery ceased, and significant population shifts occurred in the Mimbres Valley. While some populations persisted, many dispersed, adopting pottery styles and architectural forms of neighboring cultural groups. This transition marks a complex period of cultural reorganization rather than a complete disappearance.
Legacy and Descendants
Continuity and Connection
While the distinct Mogollon cultural identity eventually transformed, contemporary Pueblo peoples in the Southwest, including the Hopi, Zuni, and Acoma, assert ancestral connections to the Mogollon and related cultures. Archaeological evidence, such as ceramic traditions and oral histories, supports potential links between Mogollon populations and the development of Western Pueblo villages.
Displacement and Integration
The regions historically occupied by the Mogollon were later settled by the Apache people, who migrated from the north. However, the cultural legacy of the Mogollon persists through the traditions and claims of descent maintained by various Pueblo communities, highlighting a continuous thread of cultural heritage in the region.
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References
References
- Haury, Emil W. The Mogollon Culture of Southwestern New Mexico. Medallion Papers No. XX. Gila Pueblo, Globe, Arizona, 1936.
- Cordell, Linda, Archaeology of the Southwest, 2nd edition (San Diego: Academic Press, 1997), page number unknown
- Lekson, Stephen H. Archaeology of the Mimbres Region, Southwestern New Mexico. BAR International Series 1466. Archaeopress, Oxford, 2006.
- Nelson, Margaret C. Abandonment, Continuity, and Reorganization: Mimbres During the 12th Century. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, 1999.
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Considerations
This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon information from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, interpretations of archaeological data can evolve, and this resource should be viewed as an introductory overview.
This is not a substitute for scholarly research. The information presented is based on a specific dataset and may not encompass all nuances or ongoing debates within the field of Southwestern archaeology. For advanced academic study, consultation of primary archaeological reports, peer-reviewed journals, and specialized monographs is essential.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on this information. Always consult primary sources and expert analyses for comprehensive understanding.