(July 15, 2024)—Recently, my cohort within the field school wrapped up a week of archaeological survey along the banks of the Mimbres River. We uncovered a diverse array of ceramic sherds—brownwares, redwares, bowls, jars—each piece a testament to the artistic skill of its creators. The presence of all three types of Mimbres sherds alone represented a tradition spanning nearly 380 years, but the site could easily have been consistently inhabited for much longer.
In addition to the local pottery, the presence of nonlocal ceramics, shell jewelry, and lithic materials (stone tools and flakes from their manufacture) spoke volumes about the extensive trade networks that this Mimbres community participated in. As our project progressed, we came across the remnants of a pueblo complex and its adjacent structures, providing crucial context for our findings.
Our survey wasn’t without its challenges, however. Many artifacts were found far from the pueblos in unexpected locations. Our first clue came from observing agricultural trenches nearby, where we found the bulk of the sherds. We speculated whether these trenches, built long ago, inadvertently acted as early excavators of the site, long before academics arrived. After experiencing our first monsoon, it became clear just how easily powerful rain and floodwater could displace artifacts, further complicating the site’s context.
Another significant discovery was the foundation of an old homestead, where we documented stoneware pots, early 1900s glass fragments, and various metal objects. Seeing remnants from both recent and distant pasts made me reflect on how the life-giving waters of the Mimbres have always attracted a variety of different peoples to its banks. These same waters mingled artifacts in such a way that it blurred distinctions between where one site began and another ended.
Our time along the Mimbres River was at first rather frustrating, but it highlighted a fundamental truth about the field: You can never truly analyze a culture, location, or culture in a vacuum. Understanding the archaeological record means teasing out and embracing its complexities.
