New Data on Ancient Maize from Northern Mexico

New Data on Ancient Maize from Northern Mexico
The first finding of incipient agriculture for the state of Nuevo Leon (Mexico), practiced by collectors-hunters, such as seeds, corncobs and corn leaves which are calculated to date back to 3500 or 3000 BC, was registered by investigators from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) “In Nuevo Leon we had not identified any archaeological site with this type of evidence. After two seasons in El Morro, municipality of Aramberri, we recovered approximately a million corncobs and fragments of these”, said Ph.D. Araceli Rivera Estrada, investigator for the INAH Center in the entity. Araceli Rivera pointed out the importance of this finding since “proof that nomadic collectors-hunters of the region had been around since the Arcaic period. This will lead us to reevaluate the categories in which indigenous groups south of the state are designated”. http://bit.ly/1ddfB4q – Archaeology News Network

Amity Pueblo Fiasco Continues 
Almost a year ago to the day, the Phoenix New Times reported on large-scale site disturbances at Amity Pueblo, a long-abandoned Native American settlement located in the eastern Arizona village of Eagar. Native American remains dating to 900 years ago were unearthed in April 2011, when Arizona Game and Fish Department crews bulldozed the archaeological site for the construction of a public fishing pond.  http://bit.ly/1iMN6RX – The Archaeological Conservancy

Phoenix Archaeology Café to Examine Chaco Phenomenon
What was Chaco, really? Find out what Steve Lekson thinks on December 17, 2013. Archaeology Café begins at 6 p.m. in the Aztec Room of Macayo’s Central, 4001 N. Central Ave. Seating is open and unreserved, but limited. It is best to arrive half an hour before the presentation begins. We encourage guests to share tables and make new friends at this free event. Please support our hosts at Macayo’s Central (near the Indian School light rail stop) by purchasing refreshments from the menu—at happy hour prices!

Know of an Endangered Historic Place?
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is accepting nominations for its annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. For over a quarter century, this list has highlighted important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage. Nominations are due on March 3, 2014. http://bit.ly/1cu9Twk -EMAG.  Nomination form available at http://bit.ly/19sFIkQ – National Trust for Historic Preservation

Mark Severson’s First-Hand Account of Finding Rock Art Vandalism in Southern Arizona
As I entered the canyon I made my stop as I always had. Excited to see the glyphs again I strode over to the head of the stairs and stopped dead in my tracks. For the first time in over twenty-five years as a tour guide I was glad I was alone. Someone, or several persons had tagged many of the rocks with spray paint, even writing directly on some of the ancient glyphs. I felt sick to my stomach.
http://bit.ly/1bpYuMY – Tucson Citizen

New York Times Mentions Paris Auction
The Native American Hopi tribe took a Paris auction house to court Tuesday to try to block the sale of 32 sacred tribal masks, arguing they are “bitterly opposed” to the use as merchandise of sacred objects that represent their ancestral spirits. The Katsinam masks are scheduled for sale at the Drouot auction house on Dec. 9 and 11, alongside a Zuni altar and Native American frescoes and dolls. In April, a Paris court ruled that such sales are legal in France, and Drouot sold around 70 Hopi masks despite vocal protests from the United States. A verdict in the new case is expected Friday.

Lecture Opportunity – Santa Fe
Southwest Seminars presents Dr. Leo Killsback (Northern Cheyenne), Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies, Arizona State University who will present Our Spiritual Relationship With the Earth on December 16 at 6pm at Hotel Santa Fe as part of the Mother Earth Father Sky Lecture Series held annually to honor and acknowledge the work of The New Mexico Environmental Law Center. Admission is $12 at the door. No reservations are necessary and refreshments are served. Contact Connie Eichstaedt, Director at tel:505 466-2775 email: southwest seminar@aol.com website: southwestseminars.org

Tour Opportunity – Jemez Pueblo Matachin Dances
Join Southwest Seminars and public cultural historian Alan Osborne on Dec. 12, 9am-6pm for a visit to Jemez Pueblo for the Matachin Dances in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Matachin dance, or “Danza de Matachines” is explained by oral tradition amongst many Indian tribes as “The Dance of the Moors and Christians” and is the first masked dance introduced by the Spaniards. Islamic Moors were driven out of Spain in 1492 and the missionaries introduced the dance in New Mexico to show the superiority of the Christians over non-Christians, or the forces of good over evil. Adopted by the people today the dance takes many forms which still exist, both among traditional Hispanic communities as well as Pueblo Indian villages. We’ll depart and return to/from Santa Fe. Includes transportation & lunch. $95 p/p. Contact Connie Eichstaedt, Director at tel:505 466-2775 email: southwest seminar@aol.com website: southwestseminars.org