What happened to the Hohokam? This issue of Archaeology Southwest explores initial results of the Center’s long-term research on the dramatic population decline that occurred in the southern Southwest almost a century before the arrival of the Spaniards. Contributors discuss the impact of migration on demographic change, as well as the methodologies they employ to address this complex research problem. Patterns are described for each of five study areas: the lower Salt River Valley, Perry Mesa, the lower San Pedro Valley, the Tonto Basin, and the Safford Basin. The issue closes with a summary of preliminary conclusions and ongoing avenues of inquiry.
This issues articles include:
• Immigrants and Population Collapse in the Southern Southwest – Jeffery J. C lark, Center for Desert Archaeology; Patrick D. Lyons, Arizona State Museum and Center for Desert Archaeology; J. Brett Hill, Hendrix College and Center for Desert Archaeology; Anna A. Neuzil, EcoPlan Associates, Inc.; William H. Doelle, Center for Desert Archaeology
• Back Sight – William H. Doelle, Center for Desert Archaeology
Immigrants and Population Collapse in the Southern Southwest
Contrasts in architecture: The Casa Grande, a four-story adobe structure in use from 1350 to 1450, was part of a large settlement with many adobe compounds (courtesy Library of Congress). In the late 1600s, the Sobaipuri Indians, who spoke the O’odham (Piman) language, lived in small oval structures that left faint traces in the archaeological record. The rocks were used to anchor the bent-pole frames of these houses.
What happened to the Hohokam? This issue of Archaeology Southwest Magazine explores initial results of Archaeology Southwest’s (formerly the Center for Desert Archaeology) long-term research on the dramatic population decline that occurred in the southern Southwest almost a century before the arrival of the Spaniards. Contributors discuss the impact of migration on demographic change, as well as the methodologies they employ to address this complex research problem. Patterns are described for each of five study areas: the lower Salt River Valley, Perry Mesa, the lower San Pedro Valley, the Tonto Basin, and the Safford Basin. The issue closes with a summary of preliminary conclusions and ongoing avenues of inquiry.
Articles include:
Immigrants and Population Collapse in the Southern Southwest Overview of Migration The Original Salado Migration Concept Methods The Lower Salt River Valley Perry Mesa The Lower San Pedro Valley The Tonto Basin The Safford Basin Conclusions Back Sight — William H. Doelle, President & CEO, Center for Desert Archaeology
