Ancestral Pueblo culture
Ancestral Pueblo culture, often referred to as Anasazi, represents a Native American civilization that flourished in the Four Corners region of the United States, which includes parts of modern-day Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. This culture is recognized for its unique development from hunter-gatherer societies into more sedentary, agricultural communities during the Basketmaker periods, particularly from around 120 B.C.E. to 1300 C.E. The Basketmaker II phase marked the beginnings of farming, with maize becoming a staple crop alongside continued foraging. As the climate improved, particularly after 400 C.E., the Basketmaker III phase saw increased agricultural reliance, larger settlements, and the introduction of new crops like beans and cotton.
The Ancestral Puebloans are also noted for their impressive architectural achievements, including complex pueblos and ceremonial Great Kivas, which highlight their social and religious practices. However, by 1300 C.E., the culture experienced a decline, likely due to prolonged drought conditions. Today, the descendants of the Ancestral Puebloans are recognized as the Pueblos of New Mexico, maintaining a rich cultural heritage that reflects their ancient roots. Understanding this culture provides insight into the resilience and adaptability of early agricultural societies in the American Southwest.
Ancestral Pueblo culture
Related civilizations: Basketmaker I and II, Puebloans.
Date: 100-700 c.e.
Locale: American Southwest, present-day Four Corners region of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado
Anasazi
Anasazi (ah-nah-SAH-zee) is a Navajo word meaning “ancestral enemies,” so many scholars prefer Ancestral Puebloans or pre-Puebloans to refer to the Native American civilization that thrived in the Four Corners area. The chronology of Anasazi, the Pecos classification, was developed by archaeologists in 1927. Its accuracy is a matter of dispute, but its broad classification of periods in Anasazi history remains in general use.
The first period in which a distinct group that can be identified as Anasazi appeared is called Basketmaker II (there is no Basketmaker I). Basketmaker II people arose from hunter-gatherer groups who inhabited the region. Although they continued to hunt and gather, Basketmaker II people also farmed. Domesticated crops, especially maize, were an important part of their diet. Marking the transition to an agricultural society is difficult, and scholars have given dates ranging from 120 b.c.e. to 400 c.e. for the beginning of Basketmaker II society.
Basketmaker II people lived in villages that consisted of a collection of small houses that were typically constructed in pits and covered with roofs made from branches and mud. Small pits near the houses were used for storage. Because Basketmaker II people still foraged for food, villages were probably occupied for only part of the year, presumably autumn, when crops were harvested.
The next phase in Anasazi culture, Basketmaker III, began around 50 c.e. Scholars point to an increase in rainfall in the American Southwest after 400 c.e. as one potential cause for changes in Anasazi culture. More rainfall meant higher crop yields and the potential for a larger population. Basketmaker III is identified as a period of increased dependence on agriculture, the introduction of new crops including beans and cotton, and the use of pottery. Although they still relied on hunting and gathering to complement their crops, Basketmaker III people were more sedentary than their predecessors. Houses were larger as were storage facilities. In addition, Basketmaker III marked the appearance of the great kiva, or ceremonial room, which was used for religious proceedings. Trade with native peoples to the south probably led to the acquisition of stone tools and the bow and arrow during this period.
After 700 c.e.
After 700 c.e., the Anasazi went through a period of intensive development in which they constructed large, complex buildings and an extensive road network whose purpose is still not well understood. In 2000, archaeologists published evidence of cannibalism at Cowboy Wash, an Anasazi homestead in the Four Corners area occupied around 1150 c.e. Its significance has not yet been determined. After 1300 c.e., the Anasazi went into decline, perhaps because of an extended drought. The Pueblos of present-day New Mexico are recognized as the descendants of the Anasazi.
Bibliography
Brody, J. J. The Anasazi: Ancient Indian People of the American Southwest. New York: Rizzoli, 1990.
Roberts, David. In Search of the Old Ones: Exploring the Anasazi World of the Southwest. New York: Touchstone, 1996.