Violence and Social Structure in the Mimbres Region of Southwest New Mexico: Interpretations from Bioarchaeological Data

Abstract

A comprehensive bioarchaeological assessment of health and interpersonal violence was completed using data from a sample of 247 adult burials from Late Pithouse (AD 550–1000) and Pueblo (AD 1000–1350) sites in the Mimbres region of the American Southwest. The results of skeletal analysis demonstrate evidence of social interactions that have not been well described in case studies that have highlighted individual burials and/or singular communities. This larger sample of adult burials reveals mostly nonlethal trauma among 11.3% of crania, suggesting that previous assertions of a peaceful existence may not be entirely accurate. While Mimbres communities do not appear to have experienced endemic raiding and warfare, conflict was still present throughout the majority of their chronology. Social mechanisms including corporate group community structures may have promoted cooperation and reduced lethal trauma among Mimbres adults.