Prehistory and early history of the Malpai Borderlands: Archaeological synthesis and recommendations

Abstract

Prehispanic and early historic archaeological information for the Malpai Borderlands of southwest New Mexico and southeast Arizona is reviewed using data derived from field reconnaissance, discussion with relevant scholars, archival resources from varied agencies and institutions, and published literature. Previous regional research has focused on late prehistory (A.D. 1200 to 1450), shaping the scope of cultural historical overview and providing an opportunity to examine relationships with Casas Grandes (Paquime) to the south. A second important objective of current study is the exploration of prehispanic and early historic human impacts to Borderlands ecosystems, particularly in relation fire ecology. A recommended sequence of future research is intended to address significant questions surrounding both culture history and anthropogenic environments in the Malpai Borderlands.

Titles contained within Prehistory and early history of the Malpai Borderlands: Archaeological synthesis and recommendations

• Chapter 1. Introduction
• Chapter 2. Borderlands environment, past and present
• Chapter 3. Malpai Borderlands prehistory
• Chapter 4. Summary of Spanish, Mexican, and early American exploration in the Borderlands
• Chapter 5. Borderlands fire regimes
• Chapter 6. Modeling human impacts to the Borderlands environment from a fire ecology perspective
• Chapter 7. An archaeological research design for the Malpai Borderlands
• Appendix A. Borderlands Site Database
• Appendix D. Additional observations on the early history of the borderlands

Citation

Fish, Paul R.; Fish, Suzanne K.; Madsen, John H. 2006. Prehistory and early history of the Malpai Borderlands: Archaeological synthesis and recommendations. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-176. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 112 p.