Book

Settlement, subsistence, and society in late Zuni prehistory

University of Arizona Press • (44) • Published In 1985 • Pages: x, 132

By: Kintigh, Keith W..

Abstract

Kintigh analyses the settlement data in and around the Zuni area of west central New Mexico. He is mostly interested in the time period of 750-460 BP (AD 1250-1540). Original and previous field work are used to compile a complete inventory of settlements. Kintigh then analyses the ceramics found at the sites to determine their dates of occupation. The environmental setting of the settlements is described including their elevations, their access to water, the climate, and the suitability of the adjacent soils for agriculture. Water control was needed to grow maize in the Zuni area and so Kintigh examines the types of agricultural and irrigation technology probably used during the different time periods. Kintigh concludes that most of the settlement system changes that occurred may be attributed to communities learning to live in larger groups. Settlement and subsistence systems finally became stable in the 15th century when it appears the Zuni have learned riverine irrigation and their settlements are situated to take advantage of soils that have the greatest irrigation potential.

HRAF PubDate

2012

Region

North America

Sub Region

Southwest and Basin

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Sarah Berry; 2011

Field Date

1973, 1979-1980

Coverage Date

800-300 BP (AD 1200-1700)

Coverage Place

Zuni region; west central New Mexico, United States

Notes

Keith W. Kintigh

Includes bibliographical references (p. 123-127) and index

LCCN

84022769

LCSH

Zuni Indians--History

Zuni Indians--Antiquities

Land settlement patterns--New Mexico--History

New Mexico--Antiquities