CHAPTER ONE
Of Paradigms and Parapets
The Peopling of the Americas, Clovis, and the First Peoples of Mexico
… y así no puede escapar de ser tenido por hombre
temerario y muy arrojado el que se atreviere a
prometer lo cierto de la primera origen de los
Indios, y de los primeros hombres que poblaron
las Indias.
biologists, geneticists, and linguists, as well as paleontologists and other geoscientists have been involved in
exploring and studying artifacts, genes, bones, soils,
feces, other kinds of biological remains, languages, footprints, and nanodiamonds. The number of papers published on topics related to the peopling of the Americas
each year is astounding. In 2011, Pitblado (2011) noted
that in order to synthesize what had been written in the
previous decade about the migration of the first Americans, she read over 300 articles published in journals
ranging from the "NFSJDBO+PVSOBMPG)VNBO(FOFUJDTUP
&BSUIBOE1MBOFUBSZ4DJFODFT. In spite of this large volume
of work, there are many competing propositions. The
academic community is still highly divided and has yet
to reach consensus on many important issues.
In a recent survey carried out by Amber Wheat (2012),
with the participation of 215 researchers specialized on
the study of the First Americans, the lack of consensus
among scholars is evident. Although 86 percent of those
surveyed accepted the existence of a coastal migration
route and 67 percent of the participants validated the
Pre-Clovis occupation of Monte Verde in Chile, consensus about other Pre-Clovis sites was lacking (Wheat
2012:11). Wheat’s survey found no consensus regarding
when the respondents thought people first arrived in
the Americas— 58 percent answered before 15,000 cal
year B.P., while 42 percent thought that the peopling of
the Americas occurred after 15,000 cal year B.P. (Wheat
2012:13). Although there is little agreement among scholars about the timing of migration into the Americas, the
majority of them agreed that the colonization of the continent originated in western Beringia and that there was
more than one migration route. Eighty-one percent of the
researchers surveyed believed that a coastal migration
route existed and that it probably was the route that the
ĂVT POFXIPJTTPJODBVUJPVTMZCPMEBTUPDMBJN
DFSUBJOUZBCPVUUIFFBSMJFTUPSJHJOPGUIF*OEJBOTBOE
BCPVUUIFĐSTUQFPQMFXIPTFUUMFEUIF*OEJFTDBOOPU
BWPJECFJOHUBLFOGPSPOFXIPJNQSVEFOUMZUBLFT
DIBODFTBOEJTBSBTINBO
—José de Acosta, 1590
T
he Jesuit priest José de Acosta, in his 1590 chronicle,
wrote about his puzzlement over human origin in
the New World. It was clear that Native Americans had
the same origin as people in the Old World, but how and
when people inhabited the Americas and developed complex societies—such as the Incas and the Aztecs—was
unknown. To begin answering these questions, Acosta
proposed that a land bridge connecting Asia with the New
World must have existed, making it possible for humans
to cross and inhabit the New World (Acosta 1954 [1590]).
Four hundred years later, questions of when and how
people first inhabited the North and South America are
still being debated. The more that we know, the more
complex the explanation gets. The initial peopling of the
continents is difficult to reconstruct. For one thing, sites
have been around longer and are thus more prone to
disturbance and loss of data; for another, the sites are
ephemeral due to the highly mobile lifeways of the early
hunter and gatherer groups (Dillehay 2009; Kelly and
Todd 1988; Kelly 1996, 1999, 2003; Surovell 2000). Over
the last century, interest in the peopling of the Americas
has not waned, and the topic continues to be popular in
many scientific fields. Archaeologists, anthropologists,
[1]
2 r $IBQUFS
Pre-Clovis people followed to get to the Monte Verde site
in southern Chile. Monte Verde has at least two secure
radiocarbon dates that place the antiquity of the site at
12,310 and 12,290 14C years (Dillehay 1989, 1997; Dillehay
and others 2008; Pitblado 2011; Kelly 2003; Meltzer 2009).
The diversity of existing paradigms about the first
Americans clearly indicate that much needs to be known
before we fully understand issues about the timing, geographic extent, and origin of the first peopling of the
Americas (Dillehay 2009). Although researchers from
various fields have contributed to explanations for how
and when the first people arrived in the American continents, ultimately data are needed from archaeological
sites in which the relationships between artifacts, stratigraphy, and dating are impeccable (Meltzer 2009).
CLOVIS AND THE PEOPLING OF THE
AMERICAS
Clovis is the name given to the earliest well-established
human culture on the North American continent (Collins 1999a). Clovis people were the first big game hunters
of the Paleoindian tradition—although they were surely
not the first people in the Americas. The first people are
generally called Pre-Clovis. Clovis projectile points and
culture are named after the town of Clovis, New Mexico,
where the first Clovis point was found at nearby Blackwater Draw (Haynes 1966; Sellards 1952; Wormington
1957). University of Pennsylvania archaeologist Edgar B.
Howard visited the Blackwater Draw locality in 1932
and reported the findings in ĂF4DJFOUJĐD.POUIMZ. This
marked the beginning of decades of extensive archaeological work in the area (Holliday 2005; Howard 1935a).
In the spring of 1933, Howard’s excavation crew at Blackwater Draw found fluted lanceolate points in direct
association with the remains of mammoth and bison.
These points, which came to be known as Clovis points,
were distinctive from the more finely made fluted points
found several years earlier at Folsom, the nearby locality
that became the site type for the Folsom culture (Figgins
1933; Howard 1933:524, 1935a).
Howard (1935b), along with the geologist Ernst Antevs
(1931, 1934, 1935), proposed a scenario for the peopling
of the North America. In this scenario, between 15,000
and 20,000 years ago, the Bering Strait was dry land and
a glacier-free corridor was open along the east side of
the Rocky Mountains in what is now Canada (Meltzer
2009:241). According to Howard and Antevs, this frozen
passage was used by the people who came to Blackwater
Draw, so the site must be 15,000 years old. The precise
dates for Clovis and Folsom points could not be established before radiocarbon dating was developed, but
Howard and Antevs were certain that people were in
North America during Pleistocene times. Once it was
established that humans arrived in the Americas during
the Pleistocene, sites containing megafauna with associated artifacts were discovered in many places (Holliday
2005; Meltzer 1989:477). During the 70 years following
the discovery of Folsom and Clovis, similar sites were
found all over North America in areas where ice sheets
were not present (Collins 1999a:35; Faught 1996; Anderson and others 2010).
THE CLOVIS PEOPLE: CHRONOLOGY,
HEARTLAND, AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR
The Clovis complex became recognized for its characteristic bifacially flaked fluted projectile point. Wormington (1957:263) defined this type of point as lanceolateshaped, with flutes that originate at the base and extend
no more than half way up to the tip. With the discovery
of additional Clovis sites throughout the Plains, Sellards
(1952) offered a broader definition of the Clovis complex,
which he termed the Llano complex. Green (1963) was
the first archaeologist to link blade production to Clovis
people, and he highlighted the importance of a unique
behavior known as caching (Smallwood 2011). The technological details of the Clovis lithic assemblage have
only been published in the last two decades, probably
because Clovis sites with substantial lithic assemblages
are rare, and a substantial amount of fieldwork has been
done at Clovis sites in the last 20 years. Today, concepts
such as the Llano complex are no longer used, and Clovis
complex is applied to label this distinctive Pleistoceneage technological assemblage (Bradley and others 2010;
Huckell 2007; Smallwood 2011; Waters and others 2011;
and Gingerich 2007)
The Clovis complex represents the oldest widespread
cultural complex in North America. Clovis points have
been found across much of the unglaciated parts of
the continent (including Mexico and Guatemala). For
more than 40 years, researchers have looked for the origin of Clovis fluting technology in Siberia and in other
places between Alaska and the Northern Plains, but the
heartland of the Clovis complex has not been found.
The absence of a region outside of North America that
can be identified as the origin place for the Clovis complex appears to indicate that Clovis lithic technology,
0G1BSBEJHNTBOE1BSBQFUT r 3
including fluting, was invented in the northern area of
North America (Meltzer 2009).
Several sites in North America that are not affiliated
with Clovis may predate the Clovis complex by 600 years
(Meltzer 2009; Waguespack 2007). The Clovis complex,
however, represents the first group of people inhabiting
large portions of North America who shared a cultural
affiliation. Clovis sites with fluted points have been found
all over the interior of North America in diverse settings,
landscapes, and environments. Although these sites
share the unique Clovis projectile point that identifies
them as part of the same complex, the regional interaction of Clovis groups and their integration during the
Pleistocene are little understood. The span of time for the
Clovis complex is an important variable in understanding the relationships among groups of people who shared
a lithic technology.
Many archaeologists think the Clovis complex spanned a period of eight hundred to a thousand years, from
11,700 to 10,700 14C yr B.P. (Batt and Pollard 1996; Fiedel 1999; Ferring 1994; Haynes 1980, 1993, 2000a; Taylor and others 1996; Waters and Stafford 2007). Waters
and Stafford (2007:1123), however, recently challenged
the long-established timing of Clovis. Using 43 dates
from 11 Clovis sites, they suggested that Clovis spanned
a period of 450 years, from 11,250 to 10,800 14C yr B.P.,
or 13,250 to 12,800 calendar years B.P. (Waters and Stafford 2007:1123). Waters and Stafford argued that older
14
C dates proved the presence of Pre-Clovis populations
in the Americas, and that the Pre-Clovis occupation
probably extended across a large area, with Clovis technology spreading quickly along an existing cultural corridor (Waters and Stafford 2007:1125). The data Waters
and Stafford present, however, are not directly relevant
to this proposition (Haynes and others 2007). Waters and
Stafford (2007:1123) noted that 22 Clovis sites have been
directly dated, but in their analysis they disregard 11 of
these sites. One of the sites not included in their analysis
is the Aubrey site in Texas, a classic Clovis site with two
dates that averaged 11,570 14C yr B.P. The dates from the
Aubrey site may be erratic or not clearly associated with
human activity, but in the absence of additional contradictory dates for this component, they should not simply
be dismissed (Haynes and others 2007).
During the 2012 field season at the Fin del Mundo
site in Sonora, Mexico, we found three pieces of charcoal associated with a Clovis feature found at Locus 1.
This archaeological feature, buried in 1.5 m of stratified
deposits, was composed of the articulated bones of two
juvenile gomphotheres associated with four Clovis points
and 21 flakes. A date of 11,560 14C yr B.P. was obtained
from charcoal. This date is equivalent to the dates at the
Aubry site that were dismissed by Waters and Stanford
(2007). Given the new data obtained from an intact Clovis feature at Fin del Mundo, a span of 800 years for the
duration of the Clovis complex should be reconsidered.
The origin of the Clovis complex presents another
problem of interest to the academic community. The
lack of evidence for a Clovis origin outside the North
American heartland drove archaeologists to look at the
Great Plains and the Southwest as possible places of origin because the oldest dates for Clovis have been found
in these two regions (Meltzer 2009:242). Using distribution maps of Clovis points, another group of researchers
has suggested that the eastern United States as the place
where Clovis fluting technology was invented because
this region has more variety in fluted points than any
other place (Meltzer 2009:242). However, fluted point
distribution maps alone are inadequate for determining
the origin of fluted point technology (Prascuinas 2008).
The main problem for archaeologists in the eastern
United States is the paucity of stratified sites with datable
material (Anderson 2005; Dunnell 1990; Miller and Gingerich 2013; Steponaitis1986). Without adequate radiocarbon dates to provide chronological control it does not
matter where the greatest concentrations of fluted points
occur because the densest concentrations do not necessarily represent the oldest points (Prascuinas 2008:52).
Furthermore, in the eastern United States, fluting technology continued until late Paleoindian times.
The new, secure date of 11,560 14C yr B.P. obtained at
the Fin del Mundo site, and the fact that at least 114 Clovis
points have been reported in Sonora, along with 12 extensive Clovis sites, needs to be taken into consideration. I
suggest that the Sonoran Desert region (including southern Arizona, northern Sonora, Baja California, and the
islands of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean) may be
the site of origin for the Clovis complex. Although Monte
Verde in Chile is widely accepted as a Pre-Clovis site that
is 600 years earlier than the oldest Clovis site, it is unlikely
that the early settlers of Chile were the ancestors of the
Clovis peoples, and Monte Verde does not seem related
to Clovis sites in North America (Dillehay 1989, 1997).
Clovis points have been found all over North America. Their widespread distribution is astonishing; Clovis points are the only Precolumbian artifact style that
expanded to a continental scale. The widely disseminated
Clovis technology probably implies social interaction
4 r $IBQUFS
among people who spoke the same language and shared
a geographic and linguistic corridor for the transmission
of ideas. Unfortunately, the majority of Clovis materials
are limited to small surface scatters and isolated finds of
projectile points. Clovis sites with stratified sedimentary
deposits are rare (Meltzer 1993), and only 23 sites have
yielded radiocarbon dates (Waters and Stafford 2007).
We thus know very little about Clovis subsistence, diet,
mobility, territoriality, social organization, and interaction (Meltzer 2009).
The high archaeological visibility and spectacular
nature of megafauna kill sites shaped early perceptions
of Clovis adaptations and established the Clovis people
as big-game hunting experts (Haynes 1964; Meltzer
1993:301; Wormington 1957). Sellards (1952:17) described
the Clovis people as “the elephant hunters.” Martin (1973)
characterized Clovis subsistence as focused on hunting,
and thought that hunting explained Clovis colonization.
To date, there are 15 accepted extinct proboscidean kill
sites in all of North America: 12 mammoth kill sites, two
mastodon kill sites, and—with the recent discovery of
Fin del Mundo in Sonora, Mexico— one gomphothere kill site (Cannon and Meltzer 2008; Meltzer 2009;
Haynes 2002; Sanchez and others 2009).
Traditional models of Clovis subsistence and social
organization have been constructed based on kill sites,
the small size of campsites, the low densities and apparent homogeneity of Clovis lithic assemblages, and the
use of exotic fine-grained cherts and other cryptocrystalline raw materials obtained from distant quarries. These models characterize Clovis groups as small
bands of hunters whose diet consisted almost entirely of
megafauna, with an adaptive strategy that required high
logistical, residential and territorial mobility (Haynes
1966, 1969, 1980; Jelinek 1971; Kelly 1995; Kelly and Todd
1988; Martin 1967, 1973; Saunders 1980; Surovell 2000).
However, more recent investigations of Clovis sites have
produced alternative models that propose that the dispersal of the Clovis complex was a slower-paced, stepwise process influenced by regional resources (Anderson
1990, 2010; Meltzer 2009).
The Clovis lithic tool kit, with the sophisticated point
as its centerpiece, has charmed researchers for decades
(Haynes 1964). Significant advances in Clovis lithic studies began with the experimental work of Crabtree (1972),
Sollberger (1977), and Callahan (1979). Their replicative
experiments shifted the focus of study from point typology to a more thorough understanding of reduction
techniques. Specifically, Callahan’s (1979) description of
the process of biface manufacture demonstrated aspects
of technology now considered unique to the Clovis
complex (Bradley and others 2010). Based on artifact
assemblages from the High Plains, Bradley (1993) provided detailed descriptions of Clovis biface production
and defined two Clovis thinning techniques: overshot
flaking and fluting. Other site-level analyses by Morrow
(1997) and Huckell (2007) demonstrated the prevalence
of these diagnostic signatures in Clovis biface assemblages throughout North America. Likewise, Collins
(1999a) brought blade production to the forefront. His
work has shown that blade technology is a Clovis diagnostic, although blades are not present at all Clovis sites.
Recent analyses of lithics from large habitation sites
demonstrate that Clovis people used local raw materials
of medium quality to make a variety of tools including
utilized flakes, a variety of scrapers, core tools, retouched
flakes, blades, bifaces, denticulate tools, and points
(Bradley and others 2010; Collins 2002; Collins and others 2003; Gingerich 2007; Smallwood 2011; Waters and
others 2011). These tools were used to perform diverse
activities. The Clovis tool kit was versatile and could be
adapted to the available raw lithic material and regional
subsistence opportunities.
Recent investigations of Clovis sites in various regions
of the United States and Mexico indicate that there is still
much to be learned about Clovis people. Big habitation
sites with distinct activity areas have been found in some
regions (Bradley and others 2010; Collins 2002; Collins
and others 2003; Smallwood 2011; Waters and others
2011). In other areas, Clovis sites using local lithic raw
materials of medium quality have been found (Anderson
2013; Gingerich 2007; Sanchez 2010). While the strategic
emplacement of tool stone caches occurs in the midcontinent (Kilby 2008), these features are not present at the
Sonoran Desert or the eastern United States (Ballenger
and others 2011). There are several indications that subsistence strategies varied by region (Anderson 2013; Ballenger and others 2011; 2007, 2011; Meltzer 2009). In the
near future, new paradigms will be required to accommodate the new data being collected about Clovis people
in diverse habitats.
THE PLEISTOCENE PEOPLE OF MEXICO
AND SONORA
Mexico is a significant region for understanding the colonization of the continent (Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda 1967;
Frison 2000; Faught 1996; Hayden 1987; Haynes 1969;
0G1BSBEJHNTBOE1BSBQFUT r 5
Meltzer 1989, 1995, 2009; Owen 1984; Sellards1952, Stanford 1991; Waters 1985; Wormington 1957). The country
is shaped like a funnel: when the first Americans moved
inland from Beringia to South America, they crossed
what is now the U.S.-Mexican border, a territory that
it is more than 1,600 km long, and walked south to the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a narrow strip of land 200 km
wide that separates the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
The archaeological record of the first people of Mexico
is scarce, and the previously published information is
confusing and unsystematic. In the last decade, however, investigations of Paleoindian sites have increased
exponentially, even though only a handful of Mexican
researchers focus their investigations on Pleistocene
sites. Systematic investigations of Paleoindian sites in the
state of Sonora, in particular, have added enormously to
what is known about the Pleistocene landscape and the
first people who inhabited this region.
The purpose of this book is to present the reader with
the current corpus of data about the Pleistocene archaeology of Mexico, with an emphasis on Sonora. Chapter 2
offers an analytical synthesis of the archaeological record
related to the first American in Mexico. Chapter 3 presents
a synthesis of the Sonoran landscape, paleoenvironment,
and physiographic provinces, together with a regional
cultural history of Sonora. Chapter 4 presents the corpus
of data from Sonoran sites. Chapter 5 presents the lithic
Clovis industry of the El Bajío site. Chapter 6 defines the
Late Pleistocene Clovis occupation of Sonora, exploring
topics such as patterns of land use, subsistence strategies,
the organization of labor, the timing of Clovis in Sonora,
and Sonoran Clovis interaction and integration.
CHAPTER TWO
The First People of Mexico
A Critical Review of Archaeological Investigations
and the Future of Research
M
exico is a significant region for understanding the
colonization of North and South America because
it constitutes an obligatory land pathway between the
continents (Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda 1967; Frison 2000;
Faught 1996; Hayden 1987; Haynes 1969; Meltzer 1989,
1995, 2009; Owen 1984; Sellards 1952; Stanford 1991;
Waters 1985; Wormington 1957). Human occupation of
the Terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene periods
in Mexico remains poorly known. In 1952, the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), the
governmental federal agency that oversees archaeology
in Mexico, created the Departamento de Prehistoria
to study the colonization of Mexico and the North
American continent. Although many archaeological
projects were carried out over the next 35 years, very
little evidence of the first peoples that inhabited Mexico
was found. In the past 15 years, however, the number
of scholars investigating the first inhabitants of Mexico
has tripled.
Here I critically review the existing data from Mexico to provide a historical background of Paleoindian
investigations. The data from Mexico are diverse, so in
order to evaluate the reported archaeological finds of
late Pleistocene and early Holocene in Mexico, I use the
minimum requirements suggested by Haynes (1969) and
Waters (1985:125) for determining early sites: (1) presence of previously documented diagnostic projectile
point types or styles; (2) stone tools in clear association
with extinct Pleistocene fauna; (3) directly dated human
bones; and (4) a demonstrated relationship between the
artifacts and a well-documented stratigraphic sequence.
The locations of the major sites I discuss in this chapter
are depicted in Figure 2.1.
ANTEDILUVIAN MEN AND NINETEENTHCENTURY FINDS
The first accounts of the existence of Pleistocene humans
in Mexico were reported by the $PNNJTTJPO 4DJFOUJĐRVFEV.FYJRVF, a group of French antiquarians and
naturalists commissioned in Mexico from 1864 to 1867,
during the years of the French intervention in Mexico.
The charge of this commission was to gather information about the “antique” cultures of Mexico. Eugéne
Boban, E. Guillermin-Tarayre, and Cornel Doutrelaine
were devoted to collecting exotic archaeological and
ethnographic artifacts that they later sold to European
museums. They became interested in discovering the
remains of “antediluvian man” in Mexico, influenced in
part by Boucher de Perthes’ proclamation that he found
fossilized human bones with artifacts in the Pleistocene
gravels of Menchecourt in the Somme Valley of France
(Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda 1964:384–385; GullerminTarayre 1867; Hamy1884; Lorenzo 1988:30; Riviale 2001).
The commission reported three possible finds of
“early man” in Mexico. A crude lanceolate biface was
collected from a Quaternary fossil deposit in the locality of Cañada de Marfil in Guanajuato. A uniface chert
tool allegedly was found in an unaltered deposit eight
meters below the surface at Cerro de las Palmas in Tacubaya, Mexico City, a locality famous for the abundance of
fossils. An axe resembling the Acheulean bifaces of the
early Paleolithic period in Europe was found in an alluvial deposit on the Juchipila River in Zacatecas (Aveleyra
Arroyo de Anda 1964).
Although none of the reports made by the French
commission were proven to be valid, they did succeed in
[6]
ĂF'JSTU1FPQMFPG.FYJDP r 7
'JHVSF Paleoindian sites in Mexico. Cartography by José Raúl Ortiz.
1. Cañada de Marfil, Guanajuato
2. Cerro de las Palmas, Tacubaya
3. Tequixquiac, Mexico
4. Peñon de los Baños, Mexico City
5. Tlapacoya, Mexico
6. Naharon, Quintana Roo
7. Lake Texcoco, Mexico
8. Tepexpan, Mexico
9. Santa María Iztapan, Mexico
10. Santa Isabel Ixtapan, Mexico
11. Los Reyes Acozac, Mexico
12. San Bartolo Atepehuacan, Mexico
13. Santa Lucia, Mexico
14. Santa Miguel Tocuila, Mexico
15. Cerro Tlapacoya, Mexico
16. Vasequillo Reservoir, Puebla
17. Hueyatlaco, Pueblo
18. El Cedral (Rancho La Amapola),
San Luis Potosi
19. Babisuri, Isla Espíritu Santo,
Baja California
20. Ocozocoautla, Chiapas
21. Guilá Naquitz, Oaxaca
22. Rancho El Batequi, Baja
23. Rancho El Mezquital, Baja
24. Cueva Pintada, Baja
25. Isla Cedros, Baja
26. Timmy Site, Chihuahua
27. Lago Bustillos, Chihuahua
28. Palo Blanco, Chihuahua
29. Alamo de Villa, Chihuahua
30. Atotonilco, Jalisco
31. Lake Zacoalco, Jalisco
32. Cerro del Tecolote, Jalisco
33. El Platanillo Cave
34. Oyapa, Hidalgo
35. La Calzada, Hildago
36. San Juan Guelavia, Oaxaca
37. El Pocito, Oaxaca
38. Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca
39. San Isidro, Nuevo Leon
40. Puntita Negra, Nuevo Leon
41. La Morita, Nuevo Leon
42. Salmalayuca Basin, Chihuahua
43. C75-01 site, Chihuahua
44. Mesa de Las Tapias, Chihuahua
45. Cueva de los Grifos, Chiapas
8 r $IBQUFS
opening a new door for the study of the first Mexicans.
By the end of the nineteenth century, Mexican geologists,
paleontologists, naturalists, and archaeologists began to
investigate archaeological materials that appeared to be of
great antiquity, including the discovery of human bones
claimed to be associated with Pleistocene deposits in the
vicinity of Mexico City. Mariano Bárcena and Manuel
del Castillo—known as the fathers of Quaternary geology and paleontology in Mexico—were the first scientists
to study early sites and finds (Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda
1964:387; Gio-Argaez and Rodríguez Arevalo 2003).
In 1870, a laborer digging a well at Tequixquiac found
the “modified” sacrum of a fossilized camel in a Pleistocene deposit 12 meters beneath the surface. This deposit
had a high concentration of fossil material in a stratum
known as the El Tajo Formation. The engineer in charge
of the drainage operation first gave the camelid bone
to Alfredo Chavero in 1880, then to Manuel Orozco y
Berra in 1881, and finally to Mariano Bárcena in 1882.
After studying the bone and its provenience, the three
researchers concluded that the fossilized sacrum was an
ornament carved into an animal face before the bone was
fossilized, which made it extremely old (Chavero 1881;
Orozco y Berra 1880; Bárcena 1882; Aveleyra Arroyo
de Anda 1965). When Mariano Bárcena, a geologist,
reported the important find at the International Congress of Americanists in Mexico City in 1897, he was
met with much skepticism. Bárcena’s unexpected death
shortly after the meeting, and the misplacement of this
putative artifact for nearly 60 years, added drama to
the story.
In 1951, Luis Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda reanalyzed the
sacrum and agreed with Barcena´s initial determination
that it was indeed a modified bone that had been carved
before it was fossilized (Bárcena 1882). Using the drainage system map, he determined the exact location of the
find and conducted surveys in the arroyos of Tequixquiac. There he collected approximately 20 artifacts at a
gravel deposit that appeared to be the Becerra Formation,
which is associated with the Pleistocene fossils (Aveleyra
Arroyo de Anda 1965, 1967). The famous camel sacrum
is now curated at the Laboratorio de Arqueozoologia at
the Subdirección de Laboratorios y Apoyo Académico,
Instituto Nacionál de Antropología e Historia (INAH),
JO Mexico City. This sacrum was studied recently by
Lorena Mirambel and Oscar Polaco, and after finding
no evidence of use wear, they concluded that the bone
was not modified by human agency (Lorena Mirambell,
personal communication 2007).
Peñon de los Baños is a rocky hill close to the Mexico
City International Airport. This locale was named “de los
Baños” due to the hot springs that emerge there. When
the Spaniards arrived at Tenochtitlan in 1521, the Peñon
de los Baños was an island in Lake Texcoco. Today, it is
an isolated rocky hill in more or less flat terrain, forming
a unique landscape feature. At least three sets of human
remains have been recovered at Peñon de los Baños, all
of which appear to be from late Pleistocene deposits at
the site.
The first set of remains was found in 1884, embedded
in a well-developed travertine deposit that was exposed
during an excavation using dynamite. After finding a
skull, Mariano Bárcena and Manuel Del Castillo conducted a detailed geological study, and they located the
rest of the skeleton in situ. Bárcena and Del Castillo
(1885) reported on the geological data and concluded
that the human remains were embedded in a calcareous
travertine deposit of great antiquity. The naturalist John
Newberry (1885) was skeptical about the Peñon de los
Baños discoveries, however, and argued that the travertine that sealed the deposits could have been formed in
more recent times.
In 1958, more human bones were found at Peñon de
los Baños during construction of a road. When Luis Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda (1967:14) examined the site, he
found that the deposits had been completely destroyed
by road construction. Later that year, human remains
were discovered during the excavation of a well. This
find, designated Peñon III, was reported to the Departamento de Prehistoria of INAH, and Arturo Romano
and Francisco González Rull recovered a mostly complete human skeleton at the site. Romano and González
Rull, along with Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda, carried out a
detailed study of the area, including the geomorphology,
stratigraphic relationships, and paleo-vegetation (Gonzalez and others 2003:381; Gonzalez, Jimenez, and others
2006). The skeleton was located 3 m from the surface in
a dark stratum sealed by a travertine deposit. Aveleyra
Arroyo de Anda (1964, 1967) proposed that the skeleton
was of late Pleistocene age (Bopp 1961).
DIRECTLY DATED HUMAN BONES
With a grant from the Natural Environment Research
Council of the United Kingdom, Silvia Gonzalez, a geologist from John Moors Liverpool University, and José
Concepción Jiménez, a physical anthropologist from
INAH, directly radiocarbon dated 11 human skeletons
ĂF'JSTU1FPQMFPG.FYJDP r 9
presumed to be from old contexts, all of them curated
at the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City.
After the bone was purified to obtained collagen, only
four samples contained enough carbon for dating, and
only two of these yield dates of Paleoindian age. From
the Peñon III locality, a skeleton found in 1957 was dated
with a radiocarbon age of 10,755 ± 75 (OxA-10112) (Gonzalez and others 2003:381; Gonzales, Jiménez, and others
2006:69). A cranium found by workmen making a road
near the Tlapacoya site in the early 1960s produced a
radiocarbon age of 10,200 ± 65 (Gonzalez and others
2003:381; Gonzales, Jiménez, and others 2006:69).
The Tlapacoya site is located along the margins of
ancient Lake Chalco, in the southeastern corner of the
Basin of Mexico. There, José Luis Lorenzo excavated at
least 18 localities between 1965 and 1975. He argued for an
early human occupation of Tlapacoya in two loci dated at
approximately 23,000 years ago. C. Vance Haynes visited
the site twice during the excavation and collected several
radiocarbon samples. While the archaeological record
of a 23,000 year-old human occupation at Tlapacoya is
controversial, better evidence exists to support an occupation from 7,000 to 10,000 years ago. A feature near the
slope of the Tlapacoya Hill, designated Tlapacoya XVIII,
consisted of a dense concentration of lithic artifacts and
an extended human burial that yielded a radiocarbon
date of 9920 ± 250 (I-6897) (Lorenzo and Mirambell
1986a:84; Nárez 1990:30). Recently, Gonzalez and colleagues (2003; Gonzales, Jiménez and others 2006:69)
directly dated a human cranium from Tlapacoya that
is curated in the INAH Physical Anthropology Department. This skull, discovered at Tlapacoya by workmen
during road construction during the late 1960s, yielded
a radiocarbon age of 10,200 ± 65 (OxA-10225).
On the Yucatán Peninsula, several caves were recorded
during the Proyecto Atlas de Sitios Arqueológicos de
Quintana Roo. Although the caves are underwater
today, they were unquestionably dry at the end of the
Pleistocene, when the water of the Caribbean Sea was
much lower than today. The cave deposits have suffered
some mixing due to sea currents, but some archaeological contexts and paleontological specimens have
been found (González-González and others 2006). In
three caves, charcoal flakes, presumably from human
occupation, and at least three human burials yielded
radiocarbon dates between 9,000 and 8000 years B.P.
(Table 2.1; González-González and others 2006:87).
One burial designated Naharon I, Quintana Roo, was
directly dated, and an 11,670 ± 60 radiocarbon age was
Table 2.1. Radiocarbon Dates from Caves
in Quintana Roo
Sample No.
14
C Age (B.P.)
Material
Cave
INAH-2123
6941 ± 39
Charcoal
Las Palmas
B-1666199
9180 ± 60
Charcoal
Aktun Ha
INAH-2009
9318 ± 37
Charcoal
Aktun Ha
INAH-2011
9139 ± 23
Charcoal
Aktun Ha
UGA-6637
9524 ± 84
Charcoal
Aktun Ha
Human bone
Naharon I
Human bone
Las Palmas
UCR-4000/
CAMS-87301
UGA-6828
11,670 ± 60
8050 ± 130
Source: Gonzalez and others 2006.
obtained. According to Taylor (2009:184), who processed
the sample, the Naharon I bone contained less than 0.1
percent of the residual organic carbon found in bones
and did not exhibit a collagen-like profile. Therefore,
the sample should be regarded as problematic. Several
attempts to date more bones from the Naharon I burial
have failed due to the lack of collagen (Alejandro Terrazas, personal communication 2011). More studies need
to be performed at the Yucatán caves in order to evaluate
the stratigraphic contexts and to understand the nature
of the archaeological elements and their relationship
with the paleontological finds.
MAMMOTHS AND HUMANS IN THE BASIN
OF MEXICO
The first written report of giant bones observed in central
Mexico date to the sixteenth-century chronicles of Bernal Diaz del Castillo (1939:268‒269). This report states
that the Tlaxcaltecas showed Hernán Cortés a giant
femur that appeared to have been buried in the ground,
demonstrating that giant people and animals existed in
this land. Cortés was so impressed with the giant bone
that he sent the sample to Spain with the first lot of goods
offered to King Carlos I.
Presently, 150 mammoth finds have been reported
from within the Basin of Mexico; at least 40 of them have
been completely excavated (Arroyo-Cabrales and others
2003, 2006, 2007; Carballal, editor 1997; García Bárcena
1989; Johnson and others 2006; Lorenzo and Mirambell
1999). Only a few of these finds provide evidence of association with humans.
10 r $IBQUFS
When the Departamento de Prehistoria was established in the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia in 1952, the staff included Pablo Martinez del Río
(director), Manuel Maldonado-Koerdell (paleontologist),
A. R. V. Arellano (consultant stratigrapher), Luis Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda (archaeologist), José Luis Lorenzo
(archaeologist), and Arturo Romano (physical anthropologist). This department was the first scientific organization to specialize in the study of Paleoindians in North
America (Kreiger 1950b). The first investigation carried
out by the staff of the Departamento de Prehistoria, under
the direction of Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda, was the excavation of mammoths at Santa Isabel Iztapan (Aveleyra
Arroyo de Anda 1955, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1967; Aveleyra
Arroyo de Anda and Maldonado-Koerdell 1953).
Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda, who served as the director of
the Departamento de Prehistoria from 1954 to 1956, was
instrumental in promoting archaeological investigations
of the first Mexicans during the 1950s and 1960s. Aveleyra
Arroyo de Anda received his bachelor’s degree in anthropology, with an expertise in archaeology, at the Escuela
Nacional de Antropología e Historia. He earned a graduate degree in anthropological sciences in Europe, where
he received additional paleontological training. Aveleyra
Arroyo de Anda began his education with Helmut de
Terra, Kirk Bryan, and Alberto Arellano, the scholars
responsible for the first coordinated scientific study of the
early inhabitants of Mexico. This group used volcanology
and glaciology to reconstruct the stratigraphic sequence
of the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene periods in the
Basin of Mexico (Arellano 1946a, 1951; Bryan 1946, 1948;
De Terra 1947a, 1947b, 1957).
In the 1960s, José Luis Lorenzo became a significant
figure in the investigation of early humans in Mexico.
He was named director of the Departamento de Prehistoria in 1961, shortly after returning from a two-year
long stay at the University of London, where he studied
under Frederick Zeuner and V. Gordon Childe, pioneers
of environmental archaeology and interdisciplinary
methods. With this perspective, Lorenzo began forming laboratories of paleozoology, paleobotany, geology,
pedology, and sedimentology. He directed several longterm interdisciplinary studies and systematic investigations at the Departamento de Prehistoria, including the
development of a glacial chronology for the volcanoes in
central Mexico (Lorenzo 1958, 1969).
By 1950, the population of Mexico City began its
meteoric growth, with the population doubling every
20 years. The urban center of Mexico City was greatly
expanded, and substantial construction was carried out
in the suburbs of the city. This led to an increase in the
discovery of megafauna, mostly in lacustrine deposits.
Central Mexico is characterized by highly dynamic
landscapes that underwent complex transformations
throughout the Late Quaternary period. The Basin of
Mexico was formed by tectonic activities and fractures;
the basin filled with material derived from the mountains that was redeposited by rivers. By the end of the
Pleistocene, the Valley of Mexico had become a closed
basin supporting a system of marshy lakes. Unquestionably, the lakes provided an oasis-like setting for many
animals, including herds of mammoths, as well as for the
first human groups who arrived in the Basin of Mexico
(Carballal 1997; Lorenzo and Mirambell 1986a:20; Sedov
and others 2010).
The northeastern and eastern sectors of the Lake Texcoco shoreline provide the setting for numerous finds of
late Pleistocene fauna, especially mammoth, both with
and without associated human artifacts. The greatest
concentration of bones are in the north, where proboscidean remains, particularly mammoths, have been found
across the basin. The Departamento de Prehistoria was
instrumental in the excavation of mammoths found in
the vicinity of Lake Texcoco between 1952 and 1980.
According to Lorenzo and Mirambell (1986a), the
remains of 15 mammoths were excavated in the Basin of
Mexico between 1952 and 1980. Seven of these paleontological finds show possible associations with artifacts;
however, after a careful analysis of the archaeological
data, only three have indications of human-mammoth
interactions. Margarita Carballal Staedtler (1997) published a detailed compilation of mammoths and other
Pleistocene fauna found by the Department of Salvage
Archaeology of INAH from 1980 to 1997. None of the
20 mammoths reported by Carballal were associated
with evidence of human activity; many of the finds were
recovered in deep excavations (10 m beneath the present
surface) when subway lines and underpasses were constructed in the city. A few mammoth finds in the Basin of
Mexico are more than 35,000 years old, but most of them
are between 10,000 and 12,000 years in age.
Mammoth and Man in Tepexpan
In December 1945, workers digging a trench at the Tepexpan Hospital in the Basin of Mexico found the remains
of a mammoth (Arellano 1946b:2). The skeleton of the
mammoth was almost complete and showed evidence of
butchering. The skull was overturned and the base was
ĂF'JSTU1FPQMFPG.FYJDP r 11
damaged, probably in order to extract the brain (Arellano 1946b). One of the iliac bones was missing and the
remaining one was overturned with the femoral cavity
facing up. The right foreleg was completely articulated
and in an upright position, suggesting that the animal
was trapped in a swamp and died before it was butchered
(Arellano 1946a; Lorenzo and Mirambell 1986a:116). A
small flake (3-cm long) made of a white chert was found
between the skull and the head of the humerus. The stratigraphic unit where the mammoth was deposited is a graygreen lacustrine lime deposit sealed by caliche, which
apparently corresponded to a desiccation period of Lake
Texcoco (Arellano1946b). A short time later, another, less
complete mammoth was found in this same ditch.
During the same year, at least five mammoths were
found over a 2-km area (De Terra and others 1949).
According to Helmut De Terra, all the fossils were found
in the Becerra formation, defined by Bryan and Arellano
as an alluvial deposit with numerous fossils from the
late Pleistocene. This formation was thought to have a
regional distribution (Arellano 1946a; Aveleyra Arroyo
de Anda 1967; De Terra and others 1949).
De Terra arrived in Mexico City in 1945 and began
to coordinate the geological investigations at Tepexpan.
Two years later, after a detailed survey of the Tepexpan
area, he found a human burial eroding out of a wall profile that appeared to be “in situ” within a stratigraphic
unit that he called the “formación Risco,” representing
the younger, sandy face of the Late Pleistocene Becerra
Formation (De Terra and others 1949:26). De Terra also
defined a lithic industry in Tepexpan that he called the
San Juan Industry, represented by coarse, unifacially
flaked choppers and other simple unifacial tools. Several
researchers were critical of De Terra’s conclusions about
Tepexpan. These critics did not did not agree that the
lithic complex was human-made, and they questioned
the provenience of the burial, criticized the excavation
techniques, and disparaged the methods used for dating
the archaeological context (Avelyra Arroyo de Anda1950;
Black 1949; Krieger 1950a, 1950b; Lorenzo 1967). Alex
Krieger (1950b) visited the site and concluded that the
skull originated from an Archaic period occupation that
was well represented at Tepexpan.
The controversy surrounding the antiquity of the
human remains recovered at Tepexpan continued until
1989, when Tom Stafford directly dated some fragments
of long bones. The bone was pretreated by Stafford and
dated at the University of Arizona, yielding a 14C date
of 1980 ± 330 B.P. (AA-2667). At the same time, the
skeleton was examined by a physical anthropologist and
identified as a female (Lorenzo1991). Silvia Gonzalez
and colleagues (2003:385; Gonzalez Jiménez and others
2006; Gonzalez, Morett, and others 2006) attempted to
independently date the Tepexpan skeleton, but the considerable chemical contamination of the remains with
preservatives made it impossible. Recently, Sergey Sedov
and colleagues (2010) carried out a series of investigations at Tepexpan with the purpose of reconstructing
the past climate in relation to the human occupation
of the valley. Sedov recorded a stratigraphic deposition
of sediments at least 30,000 years old (Sedov and others 2010). Although controversial, the Tepexpan site is
one of the few localities that has not been destroyed by
urban development because the area is a protected INAH
zone. The archaeological record of Tepexpan should be
reevaluated in the future.
The Articulated Mammoths of Santa Isabel
Iztapan I and II
Santa Isabel Iztapan was the site of the first archaeological investigation carried out by the Departamento
de Prehistoria. In July 1950, while digging an irrigation
ditch in the town of Santa Isabel Iztapan at the northeast edge of Lake Texcoco, workers found fragments of
mammoth bones and tusks (Iztapan 1). In July 1952, José
Luís Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda, Manuel MaldonadoKoerdell, and Arturo Romano began excavations at the
locality. After four days of work, a projectile point was
found lodged between two mammoth ribs. Further work
revealed the presence of five more artifacts associated
with the remains. Eighty percent of the skeleton was
recovered. One femur lay more than 1.8 m away from the
rest of the skeleton, suggesting that it had been moved
during the butchering process (Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda
and Maldonado-Koerdell 1953; Wormington 1957:92–
93). The projectile point associated with the mammoth
bears a general resemblance to the Scottsbluff type; the
maximum chronological range for this type is 9900 to
8300 B.P.
In June 1954, Arturo Romano, under the direction of
Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda, excavated a second mammoth,
designated Iztapan 2. Iztapan 2 was located approximately one kilometer from the first mammoth, apparently within the same stratigraphic horizon. The second
skeleton was complete and showed clear evidence of
butchering with cut-marks on bone made by stone tools.
Like the Tepexpan mammoth, the skull was overturned
and the base of the cranium was smashed. Three artifacts
12 r $IBQUFS
were found in direct association with the bones. One of
these is a lanceolate projectile point with a straight base. It
has broad overall flaking on both faces and an extremely
fine marginal retouch. This point somewhat resembles
an Angostura point, as well as some of the Great Basin
lanceolate Paleoindian points, but it cannot be directly
correlated with those types. A second projectile point is
laurel-leaf-shaped, pointed at both proximal and distal
ends (Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda 1955; Aveleyra Arroyo de
Anda and Maldonado-Koerdell 1953). This second point
is similar to the Lerma type defined by MacNeish (1950),
a type that remains poorly dated.
The Iztapan mammoths were found within the same
gray-green lacustrine lime deposit that was associated
with the Tepexpan mammoth (Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda
1955; Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda and Maldonado-Koerdell
1953). A radiocarbon age obtained from the organic fraction of the sediments associated with mammoth kill at
Locus 1 yielded a date of about 9000 B.P. Lawrence Kulp,
who processed this sample at Columbia University, does
not believe this date is reliable because only a single organic
remnant was obtained during the pretreatment. In a letter
to Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda, Kulp suggested that this date
may represent the minimal reliable age (Aveleyra Arroyo
de Anda 1964:402). García Bárcena (1975:30) obtained
relative dating using the obsidian-hydration technique
on three obsidian artifacts associated with the first Tepexpan mammoth. García Bárcena’s results are not very
precise and are somewhat confusing, with three different
hydration rim widths equivalent to 8100, 6200, and 7000
years old. García Bárcena (1975:30–31) noted that the soil
alkalinity of the area may have affected the readings.
There is no doubt that the mammoths of Iztapan I
and II are the best examples of mammoths associated
with humans in the Basin of Mexico. When MaldonadoKoerdell realized the importance of the first find, he sent
telegrams to Marie Wormington at the Denver Museum
of Natural History, Alex D. Krieger at the University of
Texas, and E H. Sellards at the Texas Memorial Museum.
On March 20, 1952, these archaeologists, along with
many Mexican researchers, witnessed the removal of the
artifacts from the bone bed.
There are rumors that the artifacts found associated
with the mammoths of Iztapan were a hoax orchestrated
for political reasons, to obtain funding for future investigations and to demonstrate the importance of the Departamento de Prehistoria (Gianfranco Cassiano, personal
communication 2008; Fernando Lopez Aguilar, personal communication 2001). Beatriz Braniff, a professor
emeritus at INAH, was a student in 1952 andpart of the
excavation crew at the Iztapan site. She was present when
the first stone tool was found at and she denies that the
find was a hoax. However, Braniff remembers that plastic bags and other modern materials were found under
and above the bones during the excavation, indicating
that it was not a sealed context (Beatriz Braniff, personal
communication 2002). Dr. Jane Kelley, then a student,
accompanied H. M. Wormington to Mexico City to see
the site, and she also agrees that it was not a hoax (Jane
Kelley, personal communication 2008). Roberto García
Moll, former director of INAH and president of the Consejo de Arqueología from 2006 to 2009, worked with
Luís Avelyra and Maldonado Koerdell on several investigations. García Moll describes them as professional and
superior researchers, and he also denies the hoax theory
(Roberto García Moll, personal communication 2007).
Los Reyes Acozac Mammoth
In 1956, Arturo Romano and José Luis Lorenzo carried
out a meticulous and systematic excavation of a mammoth located in the northern section of the Basin of
Mexico at Los Reyes Acozac. An excavation area of at
least 12 m by 12 m was opened and three. mostly disarticulated mammoths were exposed. Two flakes, one
of basalt and the other of obsidian, were found in the
excavation area but not in direct association with the
bones. The stratum of the bone bed was defined as a silty,
lacustrine deposit located approximately 2 m below the
surface. The bones were sparse throughout the 1.2-m
thick stratigraphic unit, a possible indication that the
bones are not in a primary sealed context. An obsidian
flake from the excavation was dated at 10,000 years B.P.
by obsidian hydration (Lorenzo and Mirambell 1986a:51;
García Bárcena 1975).
Mammoth of San Bartolo Atepehuacan
In 1957, when digging a drainage ditch at San Bartolo
Atepehuacan, Colonia Vallejo, in the northern Basin of
Mexico, workers found the remains of a semi-complete
mammoth. Arturo Romano was placed in charge of excavating the mammoth. The mammoth was found between
3.2 m and 3.7 m beneath the ground surface in a sandy
stratum with charcoal flecks that was below a calichelike horizon. The mammoth was semi-articulated with
several articulated vertebrae, many ribs preserved in
anatomical position, articulated long bones, and a pelvis.
The cranium had been destroyed by the workers who
found the mammoth.
ĂF'JSTU1FPQMFPG.FYJDP r 13
A concentration of 59 flakes and chips of obsidian
and fine-grained basalt were found in association with
the articulated vertebrae in the south section of the
excavation area. At least one of the flakes was utilized.
Pleistocene hunters at this site apparently resharpened
their tools while butchering the mammoth (Aveleyra
Arroyo de Anda 1962:42–43, 1964, 1967:45–46; Lorenzo
and Mirambell 1986a:57). Numerous dispersed charcoal
flecks were found among the bones. A radiocarbon age
obtained from the combined sample of several charcoal
flecks gave a date of 9670 ± 400 B.P. (M-776). An obsidian flake found in the concentration of tools was dated by
the obsidian-hydration method and produced a result of
approximately 9400 B.P. (García Bárcena 1975; Lorenzo
and Mirambell 1986a).
Lake Texcoco Mammoth
In 1972, a mammoth was discovered eroding out of mud
deposits in a remnant of the southeastern portion of
Lake Texcoco; this find was excavated by Lorena Mirambell and a team of archaeologists from the Departamento
de Prehistoria. The skeleton had been recently exposed
and it was semi-articulated and semi-complete; only the
skull and the lower extremities were missing. Thirty-one
square meters were excavated; the skeleton was located
less than 40 cm deep in a pyroclastic deposit created by
multiple volcanic events. Two obsidian flakes and one
basalt flake were associated with the bones (Lorenzo and
Mirambell 1986a:91; Mirambell 1972). Because the mammoth was found on the surface, however, it is impossible
to know if the spatial association between the bones and
the artifacts represents the same behavioral event.
In order to determine if there was a late Pleistocene
hunter’s encampment surrounding the mammoth,
Mirambell (1972) tested an area of about 400 square
meters for phosphates. She found an area with a high
concentration of phosphates, which could be interpreted
as an area of high human activity; however, no artifact
cluster suggesting a camp area was found. It is important
to point out that Lake Texcoco has been heavily populated since 4,000 B.P. García Bárcena (1975:37) obtained
an obsidian-hydration date about 12,600 years B.P. from
one of the obsidian flakes. He noted, however, that this
flake was very close to the surface so the margin of error
is unknown and the date is not reliable.
Santa Lucia I: Mammoths and Pleistocene Fauna
In 1976, Pleistocene fauna were found during construction of a platform at Air Force Base No. 1 in Santa Lucia,
Estado de México, at the northern end of Lake Texcoco.
Jesús Mora and Oscar Rodriguez were in charge of the
excavation of this site. Two semi-articulated mammoths,
a semi-articulated camelid, and isolated bones of a saber
tooth cat were found about 2 m below the surface in
lacustrine-alluvial deposits. One obsidian flake and two
andesite flakes were found in the same stratum as one
of the mammoths (Mora and Rodriguez 1979, cited in
Lorenzo and Mirambell 1986a:99). Two dates from the
fossil-bearing strata were obtained. A soil sample from
the upper part of the stratum dated to 23,900 ± 600 B.P.
(I-10.427), and a soil sample from the lower part dated to
26,300 ± 880 B.P. (GX-6,628). A pollen column obtained
from the excavation profile revealed that the plant community associated with the mammoths of Santa Lucia I
was represented by pine, oaks, cypress, and elms, corresponding to a period of cool but dry weather (González
Quintero and Sanchez 1980:200).
Tocuila Locality
In July 1996, a mammoth skull was found about 3 m
below the surface during the excavation of a water cistern
at San Miguel Tocuila, in Texcoco, Estado de Mexico.
Luis Morett and Joaquin Arroyo Cabrales investigated
the paleontological find for three months, excavating
five disarticulated mammoths. Horses, camels, bison,
and rabbits were also found in the same bone-bearing
stratum. The Pleistocene fauna were found in a 1.5-m
deep mudflow channel. The bones had been transported
into the channel from their primary context (Arroyo
Cabrales and others 2001; Morett and others 1998; Gonzalez and others 2001). Although some bones at the site
were articulated, most of the mammoth bones were not.
The articulated bones are indicators that the mammoth
bones were not transported far. Although the mammoth skeletons were recovered within a 10-m by 10-m
area, the Tocuila channel does not represent a primary
archaeological context. Several 14C dates were obtained
from combined wood charcoal, seeds, soil samples, and
mammoth bone. The set of dates provided an average
age of 11,100 years B.P. for the deposit (Table 2.2) (Gonzalez and others 2001; Morett and others 1998, 2003).
According to Siebe and Urrutia-Fucugauchi (1999:1550),
the mammoth remains were situated in a stratum created by a 14,000 year-old volcanic eruption. This appears
to indicate that the bones were redeposited in an older
stratigraphic unit.
Arroyo-Cabrales and colleagues (2001) argue for a
human presence at the Toculila paleontological locality,
14 r $IBQUFS
Table 2.2. Radiocarbon Dates from Tocuila
Sample No.
Depth
Material
14
INAH-1658
170–173 cm
Wood charcoal
11,277 ± 139
INAH-1659
170–205 cm
Wood charcoal
11,274 ± 116
INAH-1660
205–230 cm
Seeds and charcoal
11,541 ± 196
INAH-1661
230–270 cm
Seeds
11,296 ± 270
INAH-1662
270–300 cm
Seeds
10,553 ± 188
AA23161 (AMS)
204 cm
Soil
10,220 ± 75
AA23162 (AMS)
305–306 cm
Soil
12,615 ± 95
Mammoth skull bone
11,100 ± 80
OXA-7746 (AMS)
C Age (B.P.)
Source: Modified from Table 1 in Morett and others 2003.
based on the presence of a mammoth tusk flake from
which two secondary flakes were detached. The two
detached flakes can be refitted to the core because they
were left in place. The “core” was found together with
semi-articulated bones. However, the secondary nature
of the bone-bearing stratum, and the fact that the bones
are embedded in a Pleistocene lahar, appear to indicate
that the mammoth bones might have been fractured by
non-human agents (Haynes 2002:135). Nonetheless, the
Tocuila locality represents an important region for future
investigations. According to Luis Morett and Joaquin
Arroyo Cabrales (personal communication 2009), there
are at least three unexcavated mammoths in the more
intact lake deposits near the Tocuila site, so the prospect for finding a human association in a more pristine
deposit is feasible.
MISCELLANEOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORDS
In addition to mammoth finds, an eclectic array of sites
with evidence of first Mexicans has been reported. The
sites occur in different regions of Mexico, and some are
thought to be more than 20,000 years old. Here I critically review the archaeology of six sites that have been
identified as full glacial, Late Pleistocene sites.
The Tlapacoya Site
In 1965, José Luis Lorenzo documented a recently
exposed large profile in the lower bajada of the andesitic Cerro Tlapacoya that contained stratified deposits
showing several lake shorelines, lahars, peats, and paleosols, together with burned red deposits that appear to
represent fire features associated with Pleistocene bones
(Lorenzo and Mirambell 1986b:3). Tlapacoya Hill is
located along the margins of ancient Lake Chalco in the
southeastern corner of the Basin of Mexico.
Eight field seasons were carried out at the site between
1965 and 1973. The research strategy consisted of excavating a series of trenches from the Tlapacoya Hill to the
old lakeshore (Tlapacoya I–XVIII). Tlapacoya represents
one of the few localities in the Basin of Mexico that has a
complete stratigraphic record for the last 40,000 years. In
other areas, the high volcanic activity characteristic of the
Late Pleistocene has destroyed much of the stratigraphic
record (Huddart and Gonzalez 2006; Lozano and others
1993). The reconstruction of the stratigraphic sequence,
geochronology, geomorphology, and the environment
at Tlapacoya provide the most important information
available for understanding the Late Pleistocene and
Early Holocene environment of the Basin of Mexico.
Lorenzo (Lorenzo and Mirambell 1986b:10, 31; Mirambell 1994:194) argued for an early human occupation of
Tlapacoya in two loci. At Tlapacoya I (Trenches Alfa
and Beta) the early evidence consists of three cleared
circles, each measuring 1.15 m in diameter, with burned
soil, charcoal flakes, and very rough artifacts made of the
andesitic rocks of Cerro Tlapacoya. A radiocarbon age of
24,000 ± 4000 B.P. (A-794b) was obtained from a sample
composed of very fine charcoal flecks inside the feature.
The other archaeological context reported by Lorenzo
to have great antiquity was found at Tlapacoya II. A
burned log of 5BYPEJVN NVDSPOBUVN (Montezuma
cypress or ahuehuete) was found in the trench at this
location, with a prismatic blade lying underneath it., The
ĂF'JSTU1FPQMFPG.FYJDP r 15
log was radiocarbon dated to 23,950 ± 950 B.P. Lorenzo
proposed that the minimal age for the blade, therefore,
must be 23,000 years. However, Lorenzo found no evidence an encampment, kill site, or other archaeological
feature (Lorenzo and Mirambell 1986b).
C. Vance Haynes, Jr., visited the site twice during the
excavations. He collected and processed several charcoal samples for obtaining radiocarbon dates, and also
examined the stratigraphic profiles at Tlapacoya I and II
(Haynes 1967). According to Haynes, both loci are problematic; the cleared circular feature associated with the
first locus may represent bear “beds” (C. Vance Haynes
Jr. personal communication 1997), or may be the result
of tree rooting in the sediment (Waters 1985). Huddart
and Gonzalez (2006:98) reopened the Alfa Trench at Tlapacoya I, and they concluded that there is no evidence
of human occupation between 24,000 and 10,000 years
B.P. With regard to the second locus at Tlapacoya II, the
prismatic obsidian blade is clearly an intrusive artifact
associated with overlying Archaic and ceramic period
occupations at the site. The position of the blade in the
trench may be the result of a large fissure that was clearly
visible in the profile (C. Vance Haynes, Jr., personal communication 1997). It is possible that volcanic activity
between 24,000 and 9000 years B.P. could have altered
the formation processes of the archaeological record at
the site, and that some of the artifacts from later occupations slipped down into earlier deposits.
The archaeological evidence for a 23,000 year old
human occupation at Tlapacoya is controversial, but the
Early Holocene occupation (10,000 to 7,000 years old)
is much more substantial and well represented. The best
archaeological component of Early Holocene age was
found during the excavations conducted in 1970 and 1971
at Tlapacoya XVIII, located 25 m south of Trench Beta,
where a dense concentration of lithic artifacts was found
near the slope of Tlapacoya Hill. This feature yielded at
least one 14C date of 7000 B.P. An extended human burial
with the face down was excavated from the underlying
unit (IV). The horizon associated with this burial was
radiocarbon dated at 9920 ± 250 B.P. (I-6897) (Lorenzo
and Mirambell 1986b:84; Nárez 1990:30). Aside from the
burial, unit IV had few lithic artifacts. These artifacts
included two cores, 12 flakes from the local quarry, and
one obsidian flake (Nárez 1990:142). The lithic collection
from Tlapacoya XVII is abundant, and is curated at the
Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City. Future
analysis of the lithic material is necessary to assess if a
Pleistocene industry is represented at the site
Recently, Gonzalez and colleagues (2003; Gonzalez,
Jiménez and others 2006:69) directly dated a human
cranium housed in the INAH Physical Anthropology
Department. This skull was found at Tlapacoya in the
late 1960s by workmen while constructing a road. The
radiocarbon age obtained from this cranium is 10,200 ±
65 B.P. (OxA-10225).
The Valsequillo Reservoir, Puebla
Juan Armenta Camacho, an enthusiast antiquarian, spent
many weekends during the 1950s looking for sites with
Pleistocene fauna at Valsequillo Reservoir in the state of
Puebla, southeast of the Basin of Mexico. Over 20 years, he
documented more than 100 localities, some of which were
associated with bones and artifacts. Most of the sites were
located in the eroded walls of the arroyos that emptied
into the reservoir (Armenta 1957, 1959). The Hueyatlaco
locality, the most important site documented by Armenta,
apparently contained various deposits associated with
Pleistocene fauna and artifacts. In 1962 and 1964, Cynthia
Irwin-Williams conducted excavations in two outcrops at
this locality, documenting exposed profiles that contained
a series of fine alluvial deposits with Pleistocene fauna and
artifacts (Irwin-Williams 1967:338).
According to Irwin-Williams (1967), evidence for
early human occupation at the Hueyatlaco locality is represented in several strata. Unit C contained large quantities of horse and camel remains and five stone tools, none
of which is considered diagnostic. Unit E 1 contained
abundant fossil remains of horse and camel, along with
a few horned antelope and mammoths. Unit E 1 also contained a Lerma-like point and a tip of a bifacially flaked
artifact that were found between the ribs and vertebrae
of a semi-articulated horse skeleton. Unit E 2 contained
a concentration of mastodon bones representing a single
individual. The mandible of this mastodon was split, and
a chopping tool was discovered inside the fragmented
mandible near the tooth row. A burin-like tool was also
recovered from inside the tooth cavity of the mastodon
mandible. Unit G had abundant fossil remains with inclusions of a distinctive volcanic ash. A unifacial pointed
tool was recovered from under a large ungulate rib in
unit G (Irwin-Williams 1967). Although the Hueyatlaco
locality appears to be an extraordinary site with Pleistocene fauna in direct association with artifacts, the dates
of the deposits are controversial. These dates, obtained
using the uranium-series method, yielded ages of more
than 200,000 years B.P. (Steen-McIntyre and others 1981;
Irwin-Williams 1981).
16 r $IBQUFS
Recent investigations carried out at the locality of
Hueyatlaco provide new data. In 2001, a group of investigators (Ochoa Castillo and others 2003; Hardaker 2007;
Malde and others 2007) reopened and cleaned some of
the Irwin-Williams´ excavations of the 1960s. In 2004,
Waters and colleagues (Renne and others 2005; Waters
and others 2008) opened several test pits and relocated
the walls of the old excavations made by Irwin-Williams
in order to study the stratigraphic sequence, reconstruct
the geochronology of the site, and assess the relationship among artifacts, fossils, and deposits. Silvia Gonzalez and colleagues did geological work in 2003 near the
Hueyatlaco locality to reconstruct the quaternary geological sequence in the valley. They claim to have found
human footprints in a volcanic ash deposit that dates
more than 40,000 years B.P. (Gonzalez and Huddart
2007, Gonzalez, Jiménez, and others 2006; Gonzalez,
Morett and others 2006).
Michael Waters and his colleagues’ (2008) are seeking
to understand the formation process of the archaeological record at Hueyatlaco. Their investigations are still in
process, but they have reviewed the established stratigraphic sequence and proposed a new geochronological
sequence. They found that the Hueyatlaco ash is 450,000
years old. This dating was obtained using different methods, all of which produced similar dates. The investigations of Waters and his colleagues demonstrate that the
artifacts recovered from Irwin-Williams’ excavations are
not a hoax, as was claimed by Lorenzo (1978). These artifacts are located at an unconformity in the stratigraphic
sequence. A uranium-series determination in bone from
the so-called “bifacial level” gave a date of 245,000 ±
40,000 B.P. However, due to the unconformity, this bone
bed date does not reflect the age of the artifacts, which
are likely of Holocene age (Waters and others 2008). In
order to understand the geochronology of the Valsequillo Valley, Waters and colleagues also dated volcanic
episodes present in different profiles using diverse dating techniques, including fisson track, tephra-hydration,
U/TH(he), Ar-Ar- normal, and reverse polarity.
The Ar-Ar and reverse polarity dating of the Xalnene
Tuff deposit where Gonzalez and colleagues (Gonzalez,
Huddart, Bennett and Gonzalez-Huesca 2006; Gonzalez,
Huddart, and Bennet 2006) claim to have found a site
composed of human and other animal footprints yielded
a date of 1,300,000 years B.P. (Renne and others 2005;
Waters and others 2008). After almost 50 years of speculation; Waters and colleagues are beginning to resolve
the many questions that have been raised concerning the
archaeology of the Valsequillo Reservoir.
El Cedral (Rancho La Amapola), San Luis Potosí
Rancho La Amapola is located in the town of El Cedral
in the state of San Luis Potosí, near the road between
Matehuala and Saltillo. It is located in an area with abundant springs, where a high water table formed extensive
but superficial lakes in the past.
El Cedral (Rancho La Amapola) was investigated by
Mirambell (2012) over eight field seasons from 1977 to
1991. The site consisted of Pleistocene bone beds that
contained semi-articulated mammoth, camel, horse,
bear, and tapir skeletons (Mirambell 1994, 2012; Lorenzo
and Mirambell 1985, 1999). Seven concentrations of preserved wood and wood charcoal at the site were interpreted as hearths. Artifacts included one circular chert
scraper and some modified bones (Mirambell 1994, 2012;
Lorenzo and Mirambell 1999). Thirty samples for radiocarbon dates were obtained from soil, charcoal, and preserved wood; the hearths dated between 37,694 ± 1963
B.P. (INAH-305) and 25,682 ± 1418 B.P. (INAH-303).
The relationships between the in situ artifacts, possible hearths, and the Pleistocene bones at the site are
not well understood. Mirambell’s (2012) recent publication analyzing the environmental, geomorphological,
geochronological, and sedimentological contexts of El
Cedral provides a baseline for future research at the site.
El Cedral is an important site that should be investigated
further.
Babisuri Shelter, Isla del Espíritu Santo,
Baja California Sur
In 1996, Harumi Fujita, an archaeologist from the Centro INAH Baja California Sur, discovered the Babisuri
Shelter site on the island of Espíritu Santo, located 30 km
from the mainland in the Sea of Cortez. She argued for a
40,000 year old human occupation at the cave. In stratum
III, the lowest stratigraphic unit above the bedrock of the
cave, the occupation is represented by basalt and rhyolite flakes and scrapers, ground stone, and many shells
that had been transformed into artifacts (Fujita 2002,
2007, 2008). The age of the occupation was determined
by radiocarbon dating the shell artifacts, which yielded
dates of 40,000 years old. Stratum II, above Stratum III,
is described as having an occupation very similar to that
in stratum III but it has been dated to 10,000 years B.P.
According to Fujita, the transition between Strata II and
ĂF'JSTU1FPQMFPG.FYJDP r 17
Table 2.3. Selected Radiocarbon from Babisuri Shelter, Espíritu Santo Island
14
Sample No.
Stratum
Material
C Age
B159190
B3 V a inferior
Charcoal
1860 ± 40 B.P.
B159188
B2IV a inferior
Charcoal
1550 ± 40 B.P.
B211114
E3 III g inferior
Charcoal
1400 ± 40 B.P.
INAH-2266
G4 II c superior
Charcoal
1356 ± 22 B.P.
B159194
B4
Human bones
B211120
H2 IIIj inferior
Charcoal
1270 ± 40 B.P.
B159189
B2 V a inferior
Charcoal
450 ± 40 B.P.
B159191
B4-V
Small charcoal
480 ± 60 B.P.
B159193
B3
Fish bone
800 ± 40 B.P.
8280 ± 40 B.P.
Sources: Fujita 2007, 2008.
III is continuous, and there are very few distinctions
between the two layers—both contain loose silty sand
sediments (Fujita 2007, 2008).
At least 88 radiocarbon dates have been obtained from
Babisuri shelter. Twenty-two of the radiocarbon dates
on bulk shells ((MZDZNFSJT sp., %PTJOJB sp., and -BFWJDBSEJVN sp.) are at least 35,000 years old (Fujita 2008).
Seven charcoal samples have been radiocarbon dated,
all of which date to the late Archaic age (1800 to 1300 cal
B.P.; see Table 2.3). Two of the dated charcoal samples
were recovered in Stratum III (the unit dated at 40,000
years old). One radiocarbon date of 8280 ± 40 B.P. on a
fish bone from stratum V (Fujita 2007 and 2008).
In summary, the Babisuri site appears to represent a
late Archaic occupation of the island. The similarities of
the three occupations of the cave describe by Fujita are
comparable to Archaic sites in Sonora, with the presence
of ground stone and fire-cracked rock. The early dates
obtained from the shell artifacts surely represent the
use of fossil shells, which the inhabitants of La Covacha
Babisuri obtained from a natural relic shell deposit of
Pleistocene age, and the shell dates do not represent the
age of the occupation of the shelter.
Ocozocoautla, Chiapas (Cueva de los Grifos
and Cueva Santa Marta)
Joaquin García Bárcena excavated two caves at Ocozocoautla, Chiapas, between 1974 and 1977. Cueva de los
Grifos, a moderately sized cave measuring 24 m wide
and 8 m deep, is one of three continuous caves located at
Ocozocoautla. This cave contained stratigraphic deposits
less than 1.5 m in depth. (Santamaría and García Bárcena
1984:7). An unfluted, lanceolate chertprojectile point was
found in the earliest level, along with denticulate tools,
scrapers, bifacial thinning flakes, and bone fragments
(Santamaría and García Bárcena1984, 1989). Although
identified as a Clovis point (García Bárcena 1979; Santamaría and García Bárcena 1989:76), the point is not
fluted and the fine collateral pressure flaking and basal
thinning present in this specimen is unlike Clovis-type
points. The artifact appears to be more similar to a
Plainview or Milnesand point (Sellards 1955; Holliday
1997:141). Unfortunately the location of the point is
unknown at present time. Two radiocarbon dates were
obtained from combined charcoal flecks. A radiocarbon
date of 8930 ± 150 B.P. (I-10760) was obtained for the
lower stratum containing the point, and a date of 9460 ±
150 B.P. (I-10761) was obtained for the unit lying immediately above the point (Santamaría and García Bárcena
1984:13, 1989:99–100).
Cueva Santa Marta is located at the northeast margin
of the valley. The cave is 24 m wide and 8 m deep, and contains 2.5 m of sediment. MacNeish and Peterson (1962)
conducted test excavations at Santa Marta Cave between
1958 and 1959. García Bárcena and Santamaría of INAH
opened an area of 58 square meters in three different units
(García Bárcena and Santamaría 1982). García Bárcena
and Santamaría found a stratigraphic sequence with at
least 15 different well-defined units. The lowest units
yielded two radiocarbon dates about 9000 B.P. (Table 2.4).
In 2005, Guillermo Acosta Ochoa from the Instituto
de Investigaciones Antropológicas at the UNAM carried
18 r $IBQUFS
Table 2.4. Radiocarbon Dates from Santa Marta and Los Grifos Caves
Laboratory No.
Provenience
I-9260
14
C Age (B.P.)
Cave
Source
Stratum XVI
9330 ± 290
Santa Marta
Garcia Bárcena and
Santamaria (1982)
I-9259
Stratum XVI
9280 ± 290
Santa Marta
Garcia Bárcena and
Santamaria (1982)
I-10760
Unit 15, above
Plainview point
8930 ± 150
Los Grifos
Santamaria and Garcia
Bárcena (1974)
I-10761
Unit 16, below
Plainview point
9460 ± 150
Los Grifos
Santamaria and Garcia
Bárcena (1974)
UNAM 07-22
Stratum XVI,
Level 7
Santa Marta
Acosta (2008)
10,055 ± 90
out new investigations at Cueva Santa Marta for his
doctoral dissertation. Acosta reported the presence of
corn pollen, proto-metates, and some flakes at unit XVI
that he dated at about 10,000 B.P. (see Table 2.4) (Acosta
Ochoa 2008a; 2008b). Acosta Ochoa (2008b) claims
that two tomato seeds (4PMBOVN sp.) and pollen of ;FB
NBZTwere recovered at Cueva Santa Marta. Wild tropical
seeds such as OBODIF (#ZSTPOJNBDSBTTJGPMJB) and [BQPUF
(-VDVNB NBNNPTB) were recovered from the 10,000
year-old horizon. No diagnostic lithic tools were found in
unit XVI, although expedient flakes and tools are present
along with ground-stone artifacts. More laboratory and
field investigations need to be carried out to understand
the relationships between the archaeological record and
the stratigraphic units before a 10,000 year-old tropical
environment with domesticated plants can be accepted.
Guilá Naquitz, Oaxaca
Guilá Naquitz is a small shelter at the base of a large
ignimbrite canyon wall located high above the Tlacolula
branch of the Valley of Oaxaca. During 1966 and 1967,
excavations were conducted by Kent V. Flannery (1986)
in two caves: Guilá Naquitz and Peña Blanca. The earliest Naquitz phase (6900–4700 year B.P.) was attributed
to the early Archaic period (Flannery 1986:32). However, recent direct AMS dating of a seed and peduncles
of $VDVSCJUB QFQP with morphological indications of
domestication from the lower levels of Guilá Naquitz,
provided dates of 8990 ± 60 B.P. (β-100766) and 8910 ±
50 B.P. (β-100764) (Smith 1997:933). One projectile point
found in zone E of Guilá Naquitz could be assigned to the
Paleoindian complex (Hole 1986:116). The point is laurel
leaf in outline and diamond shaped in cross section, with
a pointed end. Although this artifact was identified as a
Lerma point, it appears to be similar to the specimens
found in association with extinct Pleistocene fauna at
Iztapan and Hueyatlaco. Marcus Winter (personal communication 2008) affirmed that two Clovis point bases
were recovered from an open site about 500 m from
Guilá Naquitz Cave.
CLOVIS, FOLSOM, AND PLAINVIEW-LIKE
POINTS AND SITES
Temporally diagnostic artifacts of Late Pleistocene and
Early Holocene age provide useful clues to the identification of Mexico’s early settlers. Clovis, Folsom, and
Plainview projectile points have been found in several
Mexican states. Clovis points are well represented in the
state of Sonora but they diminish in the area south of
Sonora. Northern Chihuahua, northern Hidalgo, and
Oaxaca also have a relatively high occurrence of Clovis
points, and probably Clovis sites. Folsom, Plainview-like,
and later Paleoindian points are more common east of
the Sierra Madre Occidental than west of that mountain
range. Chihuahua and Nuevo León have Folsom sites,
and at least one Plainview site in northern Hidalgo has
been dated (Table 2.5).
Sonora
The Clovis complex is well represented in Sonora and
it is the central theme of this book. A variety of sites,
isolated Clovis points, and artifacts have been found
in the northern half of the state, mainly in the Sonoran
Desert. To date, more than 114 Clovis points have been
found in Sonora. While there are no reports of Folsom
ĂF'JSTU1FPQMFPG.FYJDP r 19
Table 2.5. Distribution of Paleoindian Points in México
State
Sonora
Clovis
Folsom
Plainview
114
0
Baja California
5
0
0
Chihuahua
9
16
14
Jalisco
4
0
0
Northern Hidalgo
and Veracruz
8
0
8
Oaxaca
3
0
0
Nuevo León
2
14
3
Sinaloa
1
0
0
Durango
1
0
1
Tlaxcala
1
0
0
Chiapas
0
0
1
Zacatecas
0
0
6
147
30
51
TOTAL
and Plainview points in the state, at least 18 lanceolateshaped, unfluted bifaces resembling unfluted Golondrina and Plainview projectile point types have been
recorded from private collections (Gaines and others
2009b). Unfortunately, the surface damage, breakage,
and reworked processes present in these lanceolateshaped points makes it impossible to attribute them to
a specific type.
Baja California
At least five Clovis points have been reported from the
Baja California peninsula; two of these come from the
midsection of the peninsula. In 1949, Homer Aschmann
(1952) found a complete Clovis point made of fine basalt
at the Rancho San Joaquin locality. In 1993, the Proyecto
Arte Rupestre found a basal fragment of a Clovis point
made of obsidian in the vicinity of Rancho El Batequi
(Gutierrez and Hyland 1994). X-ray fluorescence source
analysis of this point fragment indicates that the obsidian
came from the Valle de Azufre quarry, located 43 km
northeast of where the point was found (Gutierrez and
Hyland 1994, 1998). Lucero Gutierrez found a Clovis
point during archaeological survey in the middle of
Baja California (Lucero Gutierrez, personal communication 2007).
In addition to Clovis finds, Pleistocene fauna have
been reported from Baja California. Mammoth remains
18 unfluted bifaces
have been reported at Rancho El Mezquital, 1 km southwest of San Joaquin (Gutierrez and Hyland 1994). Gutierrez and Hyland (2002:329) reported a radiocarbon date
of 10,860 ± 90 from charcoal collected from an archaeological stratum that was 30 cm to 40 cm below the surface
at Cueva Pintada in Baja California Sur. In 2005, Mathew
Des Lauriers and his team found the base of a Clovis
point on the surface of Isla Cedros, off the west coast of
Baja California. This Clovis fragment is heavily patinated
and made from a dark brown cryptocrystalline raw material. Although the Clovis point base found at Isla Cedros
is a surface find, Des Lauriers reported agave charcoal
from a hearth feature at the same site dated to 10,095 ±
30 B.P. (UCIAMS-12859) (Des Lauriers 2008, 2011:168).
Chihuahua
Paleoindian points are well represented in the northwestern portion of the state of Chihuahua, where at least 44
Paleoindian points have been reported. These include 10
Clovis points, 16 Folsom points, and 14 Plainview-like
points (Martinez and others 2011). Charles Di Peso (1965)
documented the first Clovis point reported in Chihuahua
when he described a fluted point collected by a hunter at
the Timmy Site. The Timmy Site is situated at the crest
of a volcanic hill about 8 km north of Boca Grande,
Chihuahua, near the border between Mexico and New
Mexico. The majority of the Paleoindian points and sites
20 r $IBQUFS
in Chihuahua are associated with lake systems located
in the northern section of the state. However, two Clovis
points were found in the middle part of the state in the
vicinity of Lago Bustillos (Martinez and others 2011).
Based on their investigation of Palo Blanco and Alamo
de Villa, Rafael Cruz of INAH and Vance Holliday and
Natalia Martinez of the University of Arizona, concluded
that these two sites have the potential to contain in situ
artifacts associated with Pleistocene fauna (Cruz 2012;
Martinez and others 2011). Further investigation of Palo
Blanco and Alamo de Villa is needed for understanding
the first human occupation of Chihuahua.
the Zacualco-Sayula, it is clear that an archaeological
investigation of this area should be carried out.
Brigitte Faugere (1996, 2006) found two Paleoindian
points in a Classic period archaeological context at El
Platanillo Cave, located on the alluvial plain of the Lerma
River in northern Guanajuato. These include a Clovis
point that is 7 cm long and an Eden or Yuma point that is
10 cm long (Faugere 1996:126). Faugure excavated several
caves in the immediate area looking for early occupations but did not find any archaeological occupations
younger than 6000 B.P. (Brigitte Faugere, personal communication 2007).
Jalisco
Four Clovis points were collected from the surface of the
Zacoalco-Sayula Basin near Guadalajara in Jalisco, an
area known as the Great Central Lakes of the Mexican
Plateau. The lake deposits of this basin are rich in fossils
of extinct Rancholabrean fauna that have been recovered
from Pleistocene gravels (Aliphat 1988:147). Stone tools
associated with extinct fauna have been reported near
Atotonilco, in the vicinity of the Lake Zacoalco. In 1957,
Federico Solorzano documented an obsidian flake with
extensive retouch associated with the remains of a semiarticulated mammoth found on the surface (Aveleyra
Arroyo de Anda 1962, 1964:405). In 1983, during the survey phase of the Proyecto Zacoalco-Sayula, some highly
deteriorated large animal bones, together with a fragment of a “lermoid” or “laurel-leaf ” point, were found
on the surface in the same locality as that described by
Solorzano (Aliphat 1988:161).
In 1963, Howard Smith, George Mitchell, and José
Toscano located two fluted projectile points made of
obsidian on the surface of Cerro del Tecolote, a volcanic
hill that separates Zacoalo Lake from San Marcos Lake.
Both of these projectile points are 5 cm long, with a flute
on one side and basal thinning on the other. Basal and
lateral grinding indicates that the points are finished
tools. The two points were described and illustrated by
Lorenzo in 1964, and they are currently exhibited at the
Museo Regional de Guadalajara. Otto Schondube found
a brown chert fluted biface fragment during a visit to
Cerro del Tecolote in 1983 (Aliphat 1988:161, 2008; Otto
Schondube, personal communication 2008). Bruce Benz
(2002, 2005) described a complete Clovis point made
of brown chert, discovered during his reconnaissance of
the Zacualco-Sayula Basin while searching for evidence
of early agriculture. Although we do not know much
about the nature of the early Paleoindian occupation of
Hidalgo
The region of Meztitlan and Metzquititlan in the state of
Hidalgo in central Mexico comprises the southernmost
end of the Sierra Madre Occidental. A total of 12 sites
associated with Paleoindian occupations, including both
open and cave sites, have been documented in this area
(Cassiano 1998). Four basal fragments of Clovis points
fabricated using a white chert from a nearby source were
recovered from a low terrace at the Oyapa site, along with
Clovis end scrapers and blades (Cassiano and Vasquez
1990:26; Cassiano 2008). Several points and bifaces
from other locales may be Paleoindian artifacts (Cassiano 1998, 2008). Some of the points resemble styles of
the Cody complex and Plainview series, as well as the
Golondrina, Angostura, and Lerma projectile point
types. These points are poorly known with respect to
chronology and affiliation (Faught and Freeman 1998:48;
Hester 1977; Hesse and others 2000; Holliday 1997:154;
MacNeish 1950). Gianfranco Cassiano and Ana Maria
Alvarez recently excavated some of these localities. At
the La Calzada site, they obtained a radiocarbon date
of 9,200 B.P. from a piece of charcoal found in a feature
consisting of a lithic workshop containing a fragment
of a Plainview-like point, (Ana María Alvarez, personal
communication 2012).
Oaxaca
Four Clovis points have been collected from the surface of archaeological sites in the state of Oaxaca. In
the municipality of San Juan Guelavia in the Tlacolula
Valley, a Clovis point base made from brown chert was
found by Richard Orlandini (Winter and others 2008).
This artifact is currently exhibited at the Museo de Santo
Domingo (Marcus Winter, personal communication
2008). Two Clovis point bases have been found west of
Mitla, in an open site on the lower bajada about 100 m
ĂF'JSTU1FPQMFPG.FYJDP r 21
from the Río Mitla and 500 m from the site of Guilá
Naquitz. One of these Clovis bases was found by Richard Orlandi in 2006 and the other by Marcus Winter
and colleagues in 2007. One point was manufactured
using a brown chert; the other displays a heavy white
patina (Winter and others 2008). The site where these
Clovis bases were found, which has not been excavated,
appears to be a late Pleistocene or Early Holocene knapping station that also contains several bifaces and bifacial
thinning flakes. It is possible that additional early sites
are present on the lower bajada in this area (Winter and
others 2008). A Clovis point base was also found at the
Guhdz Bedkol site east of Mitla (Marcus Winter, personal communication 2008).
Extinct fauna that are possibly associated with
humans have been also found in Oaxaca. In 2006, during
the Salvamento Arqueológico Carretera Oaxaca-Istmo,
a poorly articulated (PNQIPUIFSJVN sp. skeleton was
excavated at the El Pocito Site, located about 6 km east
of Mitla. Although this find was close to the surface, a
denticulate scraper and a multiplatform core made from
a reddish chert were found near the Pleistocene bones
(Winter and others 2008). In August 2012 a 10-cm long
fluted Clovis biface was found during an archaeological
survey of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This Clovis biface
had been broken by cattle trampling (Patricia Abarca,
personal communication 2012).
Isolated Clovis Finds and Late Paleoindian Points
Isolated surface finds of Clovis points diminish considerably south of Sonora. A total of five isolated Clovis points
have been reported from the states of Sinaloa (Guevara
1989), Durango (Lorenzo 1953), and Tlaxcala (García
Cook 1973). All of these isolated Clovis points are either
surface finds or from private collections with unknown
proveniences. In the state of Nuevo León only two Clovis
points have been found on the surface, although Folsom
points are more common. The fact that at least 14 Folsom
points, one Folsom site, and other styles of late Paleoindian points have been found in Nuevo León means that
a late Paleoindian occupation is well represented there.
Jeremiah Epstein (1961) carried out a reconnaissance
survey at San Isidro and Puntita Negra sites in Nuevo
León. The San Isidro Site is situated on a lower bajada,
where several thermal features are exposed on the surface. Crudely flaked bifacial choppers are the most abundant tool type, although a small polyhedral core and nine
chert projectile points were also found at the site. The
nine projectile points include four Plainview-like points,
two Tortuga points, one Langtry-like point, one point
of lanceolate form, and one nondescript type. A heavy
patina covers each of the artifacts. The Plainview points
are similar to the classic Plainview type but the basal
concavity is slightly deeper (Epstein 1961). At the Puntita
Negra Site, Epstein recovered a fluted point tip. The fluting on this artifact carries through to the tip of the point,
prompting Epstein (1961) to classify it as a Folsom point.
During the 2002 field season of the Catalogo de Sitios
de Nuevo León project, Moises Valadez from the Centro
INAH Nuevo León, found La Morita rock shelter, located
at Villadama about 100 km west of Monterrey. The cave
has two chambers; the irregularly shaped main chamber
measures 18 m by 7 m. During 2003 and 2004, 50 square
meters were excavated during exploration of the principal chamber, revealing a stratified deposit. The lowest stratum is about 3 to 4 m from the actual cave floor
(Strata IV–V). This stratum is composed of compacted
silts that contained retouched flakes, polished bones, and
burned molars of a horse (&RVVT sp.). Four Folsom point
fragments were recovered from this unit. Two 14C ages
were obtained from charcoal: 9230 ± 45 B.P. (OxA-17377)
and 8935 ± 66 B.P. (Valadez Moreno 2006, 2008; Moises
Valadez, personal communication 2008). There is no
doubt that the ongoing investigations at La Morita will
provide essential information of the Folsom occupation
in Nuevo León.
Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda (1961) reported the surface
find of a classic Folsom point base from the Salmalayuca
Basin, near Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Several bones of
extinct animals have been found in this vicinity but not
in association with artifacts.
During the project La Ocupación de Agricultura
Temprana en el Sur de Chihuahua, Art MacWilliams and
colleagues found a Plainview point fragment at a cave
designated as the C75-01 site. This site, located on the
highway between Cuauhtemoc and Chihuahua, apparently was associated with an occupational surface that
contained dispersed charcoal. The charcoal was dated by
radiocarbon at 9120 ± 50 B.P. (B185635) (MacWilliams
and others 2006:10). Unfortunately, the contexts at the
cave are disturbed and no primary contexts remained of
the Plainview occupation (Art MacWilliams, personal
communication 2007). At least 16 Folsom points and
14 Plainview-like points have been found in the northernmost part of Chihuahua in the lake system region
(Martinez and others 2011).
In 2004, José Luis Punzo and Bridget Zavala
(2007:190) reported that a Plainview base of chert was
22 r $IBQUFS
collected from a later prehistoric context at the Mesa de
Las Tapias Site in the Guadiana Valley, Durango. In 1953,
J. Charles Kelley found a Clovis point at the Weicker Site,
also in the Guadiana Valley (Lorenzo 1953; Punzo and
Zavala 2007:190). Ciprian Ardelean recently carried out
fieldwork in the northern section of Zacatecas state with
the objective of identifying its earliest inhabitants. So
far, Ardelean has found several late Paleoindian styles
of bifaces on the surface, as well as some paleontological locations with Pleistocene fauna (Ciprian Ardelean,
personal communication 2012).
As described previously, a burned, complete Plainview
point made of chert was found among the earliest stratigraphic deposits at Cueva de los Grifos, Chiapas (Santamaría and García Bárcena 1984, 1989). Two radiocarbon
ages were obtained from combined charcoal flecks. The
stratum containing the Plainview point yielded a radiocarbon age of 8930 ± 150 B.P. (I-10760), whereas the unit
immediately above the point yielded an age of 9460 ± 150
B.P. (I-10761) (Santamaría and García Bárcena 1984:13;
1989:99–100).
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DATA AND PROPOSITIONS
ABOUT THE EARLY OCCUPATION OF MEXICO
After extensively reviewing the existing archaeological
data about the first humans in Mexico, I can say with
confidence that to the present day there is no site with
convincing evidence of a human occupation older than
13,000 to 13,500 years ago. The four Mexican sites that
researchers claim to have great antiquity—Tlapacoya,
Mexico City; Hueyatlaco (Valsequillo), Puebla; El
Cedral, San Luis Potosí; and Babisuri, Baja California—
do not pass scientific scrutiny and cannot be considered
early sites associated with the glacial maximum. There
is no doubt that the archaeological record of mammoths
and humans in the Basin of Mexico is somewhat enigmatic. Artifacts have been found with at least five mammoths, however, a secure association of those artifacts
with mammoth bones has been demonstrated for only
three proboscideans—Iztapan I and II and San Bartolo
Atepehuacan, all of which were excavated before 1960. It
is indisputable that before 9,000 years ago, the Columbian mammoths (.BNNVUIVTDPMVNCJ) were present in
the Basin of Mexico, where 150 of the animals have been
reported (Arroyo and others 2003, 2006; García Bárcena
1975; Carballal 1997; Gonzalez, Morett and others 2006;
Lorenzo and Mirambell 1986a). The human bones from
El Peñon and Tlapacoya that were directly radiocarbon
dated offer proof that humans were present in the Basin
of Mexico at least 10,500 B.P. I think there is little chance
of finding earlier sites in the Basin of Mexico that will
modify what we know about the first colonists of the
basin. The center of Mexico is one of the most studied
regions on the American continent. Three-quarters of the
400 archaeologists of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia work in central Mexico, and most of the
salvage and research projects that take place in Mexico
are developed in that region. In contrast, adjacent areas
such as the state of Tlaxcala have been little studied. Several mammoth finds have been reported from that state,
but they have not been thoroughly investigated (Linda
Manzanilla, personal communication 2009). A research
program focusing on paleontological finds should be
implemented with the purpose of understanding the
Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene of central Mexico.
The cultural affiliation of the first people in the Basin
of Mexico is unknown. The projectile points found in
association with the mammoths at Iztapan are diagnostically confusing. One of the points from Iztapan resembles an Angostura point and some of the Great Basin
lanceolate Paleoindian points, but it cannot be directly
correlated with those point types. A second projectile
point has a laurel-leaf shape, pointed at each end (Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda 1955; Aveleyra Arroyo de Anda
and Maldonado-Koerdell 1953). The point is similar
to the Lerma type defined by MacNeish (1950), which
remains poorly dated.
Unquestionably, the Paleoindian sequence established for North America can be traced southward into
Mexico. The available information from Mexico clearly
shows that that the Clovis occupation is well represented
in Sonora and diminishes greatly to the south, although
isolated points have been reported as far south as Costa
Rica and Guatemala in Central America (Brown 1980).
Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Jalisco, and Hidalgo
are states where four or more Clovis points have been
found. The relatively high number of Clovis points and
artifacts at Meztitlan, in the state of Hidalgo in central
Mexico, is striking. The investigations carried out during
the last 10 years by Alvarez and Cassiano (2013) suggest
that the principal reason for the abundance of remains
in Meztitlan has to do with the presence of high-quality
obsidian and chert sources that probably attracted Clovis
and later Paleoindian groups.. The lack of Clovis points
in the Basin of Mexico is puzzling, especially given the
fact that more than 159 mammoths have been found in
Central Mexico
ĂF'JSTU1FPQMFPG.FYJDP r 23
Clovis points and bifaces with a possible Clovis affiliation, found on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca,
in southern of Mexico are notable. The narrow isthmus, only 200 km wide, would have been the major
land route for people moving into Central and South
America, The Clovis points and sites that have been
found in Guatemala (Brown 1980; Pearson 2004:100)
and Venezuela indicate that Clovis people probably traversed the isthmus. In conclusion, the Clovis complex is
well represented in Sonora, making this state one of the
most important places for studying the First Americans
and the Clovis complex. Archaeologists did not know
anything about Paleoindian archaeology in Sonora 15
years ago, but a systematic and interdisciplinary project under the direction of Vance Holliday and me has
been successful in locating Clovis points and finding
good archaeological contexts. Outside of Sonora, the
scarce and confusing records of the late Pleistocene and
Early Holocene human occupation indicate that few
people inhabited Mexico at that time. The domesticated
$VDVSCJUB at Guilá Naquitz, Oaxaca, during Early Holocene times, directly dated at 8990 ± 60 B.P. (β-100766)
and 8910 ± 50 B.P. (β-100764) (Smith 1997:933), together
with possible early corn pollen, suggests that the mobility of hunter and gather groups decreased early in the
cultural history of human occupation in Mexico.
I recommend that archaeologists in Mexico follow
the research strategy undertaken by C. Vance Haynes
in evaluating Paleoindian contexts in the United States
in the 1970s. This strategy employs an active program of
radiocarbon dating and stratigraphic trench exploration
in the significant sites excavated before 1980, as well as in
those localities that are only known through their surface material. In addition, a geoarchaeological research
program investigating the peopling of Mexico should
be developed following the methodology of the wellestablished research on early humans within the United
States. Only after this research program is implemented
will we be able to truly discuss the chronological and
cultural sequences for the first Mexicans.
CHAPTER THREE
Frameworks for Sonoran Early Prehistory
T
he state of Sonora is located in northwest Mexico.
Encompassing 184,934 square kilometers, Sonora is
the second largest state in Mexico, constituting slightly
more than 9 percent of the country. According to its
biogeographical location, Sonora is a transitional region
between the Neotropic and Nearctic ecozones.
Within Mexico, Sonora extends to state of Baja California and the Gulf of California to the west, to the state
of Sinaloa to the south, and to the state of Chihuahua to
the east. The northern border of Sonora forms an international boundary with the states of Arizona and New
Mexico in the United States. Sonora is considered an arid
region with diverse ecosystems. Large portions of Sonora
are covered with desert scrub, but the southern part of
the state supports tropical deciduous forest, while the
Sierra Madre Occidental in the eastern half of the state
is characterized by pine-oak forest (Molina-Freaner and
others 2010).
Sonora has a great history of human occupation with
resilient populations that were able to adapt to the rapid
environmental changes of the late Pleistocene age, the
severe dry conditions of Middle Holocene ages, and
the carnage of the Spanish conquistadors and Mexican
authorities in the historic period. Here, I present an
overview of the past and present landscapes and environments of Sonora, a history of archaeological investigations, and a regional cultural-historical chronology.
This terrain resulted from fracturing of the earth’s crust
and the formation of block-faulted basins and mountain
ranges with volcanic intrusions. In eastern Sonora, near
the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental, the faultblock ranges have been subjected to extensive erosion,
which has formed deep, rugged canyons. The debris
from this erosion filled the intervening basins. A few of
these basins have major drainages such as the Río Sonora
and the Río Mátape (Fig. 3.1).
The same geologic structures are found in the northwest section of Sonora, where they are deeply buried
beneath debris from their own erosion. The broad alluvial plains of Sonora are formed by sediment eroded
from the foothills (McDowell and others 1997), giving
rise to the description “Buried Ranges” for this part of
the state (Cserna 1975). This block-faulted area dropped
down as the Gulf of California opened more than 5 million years ago (Bailey 2002; McDowell and others 1997).
The mountain ranges west and southwest of Santa
Ana are only partially buried. To the northwest, west,
and southwest of Hermosillo, however, the ranges are
more deeply buried, underlying a flat open alluvial plain
that I refer to as the “Llanos de Hermosillo” (Gaines
and others 2009b). This plain begins in the foothills of
the Sierra Madre Occidental to the east and northeast
of Hermosillo, and slopes gently down to the west and
southwest into the Gulf of California. It is likely composed of deltaic deposits of the Río Sonora and alluvial
fan sediments derived from the partially buried ranges
to the north. The Llanos de Hermosillo is dotted with
low hills that rise abruptly above the level terrain. These
hills include Tertiary volcanic intrusions and isolated,
unburied remnants of the “buried ranges.” The Llanos
de Hermosillo has poorly developed drainage, probably
THE SONORAN LANDSCAPE
Sonora is part of the Basin and Range physiographic
province. Virtually the entire state is situated in this
physiographic province, which continues to the south
to central Mexico (McDowell and others 1997:1349).
[24]
'SBNFXPSLTGPS4POPSBO&BSMZ1SFIJTUPSZ r 25
'JHVSF Sonora and surrounding areas showing key towns, physiographic
features, and archaeological sites. From Gaines and others (2009:307).
because of its relative youthfulness and low gradient. As
a result, topographic lows locally form lakes, or playas,
in dry years. Sand dunes are also locally common across
the surface of the plain, some derived from the coast
of the Gulf and others derived from sand in the alluvium. Some dunes are associated with the playas, but
it is unclear whether these dunes formed as a result of
wind erosion of the playa basin (lunettes) or if they are
dune ridges that helped contain the playas (Gaines and
others 2009b).
The hydrology of the northern section of Sonora is
composed of perennial surface arroyos with underground aquifers that are the principal sources of water. At
present, these aquifers are over-exploited and have been
contaminated with salt water from the sea. The study
area for this monograph is located in three hydrological
26 r $IBQUFS
basins: the Río Sonora, the Río Bacoachi, and the Ríio
Matape (Vega Granillo 1992).
The Río Sonora is the largest of the three basins; it
begins in the vicinity of Cananea. The Río Sonora basin
is composed of three rivers: the Río Sonora, the Río San
Miguel, and the Río Zanjon. The three rivers merge near
Hermosillo and form a delta that empties into the sea. Dry
washes or [BOKPOFT drain off of the foothills into the river or
out across the alluvial plain. The basin of the Río Bacoachi
has a perennial flow with many underwater aquifers that
reach the surface in small springs in the central segment
of the area. The basin of the Río Matape begins near the
town of Mazatán and extends in a north-south direction
before turning to the southwest and emptying into the Sea
of Cortez near Guaymas. Today, the underground fresh
water aquifers of the Río Matape are contaminated in the
middle of the basin by an older highly mineralized aquifer
that contains calcium and magnesium chloride. Aquifers
at the southwestern end of the basin are contaminated
with salt water (Vega Granillo 1992).
It has been known for 40 years that the sea level
fluctuated enormously between glacial and interglacial
cycles, and during the glacial maximum about 20,000
years ago. The greatest documented fluctuation is a sea
level 120 m below the present shore line (Flemming and
others 2003; Muhs and others 2004). During the terminal Wisconsin, the Sea of Cortez would have been at least
40 m lower than it is today, with vast expanses of dry
land exposed in the upper gulf from the midriff islands
to the present Colorado River delta. Based on bathymetric data (Lohman 1969; Lavín and Marinone 2003), and
assuming no subsequent tectonic activity, it is possible to
estimate northern gulf late-glacial shore levels (Fig. 3.1).
Differences in the horizontal shoreline location would
have been greater on the gently sloping Sonoran side of
the gulf than on the steep Baja coastline, and the northern Sonoran coast would have been on average about 60
to 70 km west of its current location. Most of the upper
gulf would have been dry land, with a 20- to 40-km wide
channel extending from Isla de la Guardia to the mouth
of the Colorado River. Isla Tiburón would have been
connected with the Sonoran mainland, and the associated landmass would have been separated from the Baja
peninsula by less than 20 km of water (Fig. 3.1).
PALEOENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS
The focus of this monograph is the Sonoran Desert
biome that began to develop about 11,000 years ago. For
Sonora, the information needed to reconstruct the Late
Pleistocene environment is sparse, and the interpretation of paleoenvironments remains general. The best
proxy data for studying climate and vegetation are plant
remains recovered from packrat (/FPUPNB spp.) middens investigated in Sonora and the surrounding areas
(Van Devender and others 1987, 1990).
A preliminary interpretation of changing climate and
plant succession over the last 16,000 years is possible
using data from packrat middens, pollen profiles from
the region (Davis and Anderson 1987), and a recent study
of bulk carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopes from
nine mammalian fossils recovered from Sonora (Nuñez
and others 2010). Paeloenvironmental reconstructions
are provided in Antevs (1955), Ballenger and others
(2011), Haynes (1968), Irwin-Williams and Haynes
(1970), Long (1966), Martin (1963), Sanchez and Carpenter (2012), and Van Devender and Spaulding (1979).
Environmental changes in the Sonoran Desert in general have been unidirectional, with a tendency toward
desertification that commenced at the end of the Pleistocene and continues today (Nabhan 1985; Van Devender
1990). The macrobotanical record obtained from packrat
(/FPUPNB spp.) middens and pollen records suggests that
by the end of the Pleistocene a stable pinyon-juniperoak woodland was present under a winter-dominated
precipitation regime (Davis and Shafer 1992; Van Devender and Spaulding 1979). The upslope retreat of pinyon
(1JOVT NPOPQIZMMB) that occurred about 9,000 years ago
in the Sonoran Desert left juniper-oak woodlands, chaparral shrub, and some modern desert plants including
saguaro, prickly pear, agave, and nolina (Van Devender
1990; Van Devender and others 1994).
In the southernwestern United States, summer grasses
are rare in late Pleistocene packrat middens (Betancourt
1990), indicating that the northern reach of summer
monsoon moisture was truncated at that time (Ballenger
and others 2011; Holmgren and others 2007). A winter
precipitation regime persisted until about 8,000 years
ago, when the rain pattern became bimodal with summer
and winter rains and the Sonoran Desert Province and
Subprovince developed its modern characteristics (Van
Devender and Spaulding 1979:702). Humans entered
Sonora during the Pleistocene and encountered megafauna just before the big animals went extinct. There
are 54 localities of Late Pleistocene age with megafauna
known in Sonora, where the remains of 38 proboscideans, 28 horses, 21 bison, and 13 camels have been found
(White and others 2010:53).
'SBNFXPSLTGPS4POPSBO&BSMZ1SFIJTUPSZ r 27
THE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE
SONORAN LANDSCAPE
The Sonoran Desert Biome
The Sonoran Desert is a unique sub-tropical desert
with a relatively high biodiversity that developed after
the Pleistocene (Nabhan 1985). Within Sonora, this
province extends along the Arizona border from the
Colorado River eastward to Nogales, and southward to a
point approximately halfway between Guaymas and the
Río Yaqui.
Although northwestern Sonora lies entirely within the
Sonoran Desert, this region presents a mosaic of several
biotic communities (Brown and others 1994). The Lower
Colorado River Valley subdivision predominates in the
northwest and extends south along the coast approximately to Puerto Lobos, where it is replaced by the Central Gulf Coast subdivision. The Arizona Uplands subdivision is predominant to the north of Highway 2 between
Sonoyta and Santa Ana. The Plains of Sonora subdivision
extends along the interior approximately from Santa Ana
south to Guaymas (Fig. 3.2). The Southern Coastal Belt
Province and the Sierra Madre Occidental are adjacent
to the Sonoran Desert Province.
Lower Colorado River Valley Subprovince
The Gran Desierto de Altar is an area in the northwestern corner of Sonora that extends from the Colorado
River eastward to the Río Sonoyta. This area is marked by
extreme aridity—median annual precipitation is a mere
89.8 mm, and temperatures often reach 45°C (113°F) or
higher (Pérez Redolla 1996:142). The Colorado River
and the ephemeral Río Sonoyta are the only significant
drainages in the region. Large expanses of sand dunes
and desert pavement are common. Vegetation is generally limited to creosote bush (-BSSFBUSJEFOUBUB) and
white bursage ("NCSPTJBEVNPTB). Sonoran pronghorn
("OUJMPDBQSB BNFSJDBOB TPOPSJFOTJT), desert cottontail
(4ZMWJMBHVTBVEVCPOJJ), and antelope jackrabbit (-FQVT
BMMFOJ) are the principal mammalian species.
The volcanic disconformity represented by the Sierra
Pinacate is an isolated subprovince surrounded entirely
by the Gran Desierto de Altar. The Sierra Pinacate,
encompassing approximately 1,500 km2, is characterized
by dozens of volcanic cones and craters of varying sizes,
along with extensive basalt lava flows resulting from two
million years of volcanic activity that ended in the lower
Pleistocene (Hayden 1998:14). Natural bedrock basins, or
tinajas, provide the only source of water in this region.
Historically, desert bighorn sheep (0WJTDBOBEFOTJTOFMTPOJ) and Mexican wolf ($BOJTMVQVTCBJMFZJ) inhabited
the Pinacate region.
The Arizona Uplands Subprovince
The Arizona Uplands subprovince lies to the east of
the Río Sonoyta. In this region, elevations are generally
above 500 m, and temperatures are extreme, occasionally
dropping below 0°C (32°F) during the winter months
and soaring to 47°C (117°F) in the summer. The annual
precipitation ranges between 200 and 300 mm, and has
the bimodal distribution characteristic of the Sonoran
Desert region. Slightly more rain falls during the summer DIVCBTDPT (cloudbursts) than in the winter FRVJQBUBT
(light showers). Compared with that of the Lower Colorado River Valley subdivision, the vegetation is more
dense and more varied. The vegetation includes creosote
bush, ocotillo ('PVRVJFSJBTQMFOEFOT), ironwood (0MOFZB
UFTPUB), velvet mesquite (1SPTPQJTWFMVUJOB), littleleaf palo
verde (1BSLJOTPOJB [$FSDJEJVN] NJDSPQIZMMB), organ
pipe cactus (4UFOPDFSFVTUIVSCFSJ), senita (1BDIZDFSFVT
[-PQIPDFSFVT] TDIPUUJJ), saguaro ($BSOFHJFB HJHBOUFB),
numerous species of prickly pear and cholla (0QVOUJB
spp.), and barrel cactus ('FSPDBDUVT spp.). The fauna is
more abundant and varied here than in other parts of
Sonora. Animals include desert bighorn (found within
the isolated mountain ranges), mule deer (0EPDPJMFVT
IFNJPOVT), javelina or collared peccary (1FDBSJUBKBDV),
coyote ($BOJTMBUSBOT), American badger (5BYJEFBUBYVT),
the ubiquitous complement of lagomorphs, and a host of
rodent, reptilian, and avian species. The Río Magdalena
and Río Concepción form the principal drainage basin
in this region, with several major tributaries, including
the Río Boquillas and the Río Altar, rising among the
uplands along the international border between Sasabe
and Nogales.
To the south of the Baboquivari Mountains, where
elevations generally exceed 900 m (2,970 feet), semidesert and plains grasslands predominate. True Madrean
evergreen woodland is restricted to the Sierra de Humo
and the Sierra del Mezquital, two small mountain ranges
between Altar and Sasabe, and to the Sierra Cibuta to
the southwest of Nogales (Brown and others 1994).
White-tailed deer (0EPDPJMFVTWJSHJOJBOVT) are generally
restricted to these upland areas.
Plains of Sonora Subprovince
The Plains of Sonora subprovince extends along the interior from a few kilometers south of Santa Ana to just
28 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Biotic communities in Sonora. From Carpenter and
others (2008:Figure 102), courtesy of Statistical Research, Inc.
'SBNFXPSLTGPS4POPSBO&BSMZ1SFIJTUPSZ r 29
north of Guaymas, with elevations generally less than
500 m. Here, desert grasslands intermixed with creosote
(-BSSFB USJEFOUBEB) predominate, along with several
short tree species, including ironwood 0MOFZBUFTPUB),
mesquite (1SPTPQJT sp.), palo verde (1BSLJOTPOJB[$FSDJEFVN]NJDSPQIZMVN), and tree morning glory (*QPNPFB
BSCPSFTDFOT). Organ pipe (4UFOPPDFSFVTUIVSCFSJ), senita
(-PQIPDFSFVT TDIPUUJ), several species of prickly pear
and cholla (0QVOUJBspp.), and barrel cactus ('FSPDBDUVT spp.) are interspersed throughout this subprovince
(Perez Redolla 1985:124–125; Turner and Brown 1994:
218–220).
Within this region of the Sonoran Desert, elevations
generally exceed 500 m. Temperatures may occasionally
dip below 0° C (32° F) during the winter months and
typically reach 47° C (117° F) in the summer. Annual
precipitation ranges between 200 and 300 mm. The Río
Sonora and its tributary Río San Miguel provide the
most significant drainage systems within the Plains of
Sonora subprovince.
The Central Gulf Coast Subprovince
The Central Gulf Coast subprovince incorporates the
Sonoran coast between Puerto Lobos and Guaymas.
Here, red mangroves (3IJ[PQIPSBNBOHMF), along with
black mangrove ("WJDFOOJBHFSNJOBOT), white mangrove
(-BHVODBMBSJBSBDFNPTB), and sweet mangrove (.BZUFOVT
QIZMMBOUIPJEFT) are found in brackish estuary environments. Species often associated with the Baja peninsula
are found here, including the boojum tree ('PVRVJFSJB
DPMVNOBSJT) and elephant or torchwood tree (#VSTFSB
NJDSPQIZMMBand #IJOETJBOB) (Perez Redolla 1985:146;
Rzedowski 1981:342; Turner and Brown 1994:212–214).
Columnar cardón cactus (1BDIZDFSFVTQSJOHMFJ), a variety
of prickly pear, cholla, and barrel cactus species, along
with ocotillo ('PVRVFSJBTQMFOEFOT), are also common.
Precipitation along the central coast averages less than
200 mm a year, and there is a general absence of the
shrub cover that is common elsewhere in the Sonoran
Desert (Turner and Brown 1994:212).
In addition to the usual complement of desert mammals, the coastal waters are home to California sea lions
(;BMPQIVTDBMJGPSOJBOVT), dolphins (%FMQIJOJTEFMQIJT),
and whales (#BMBFOPQUFSB spp., various species, but especially #QIZTBMMVT), along with the green sea turtle ($IFMPOJBNZEBT), various species of mollusks and crustaceans,
and a host of fish species, including totoaba ($ZOPTDJPO
NBDEPOBMEJ), mojarra (%JBQUFSVT QFSVWJBOVT), mullet
(.VHJMDFQIBMVTand .DVSFNB), spotted sand bass (1BSBMBCSBY NBDVMBUPGBTDJBUVT), grouper (.ZDUFSPQFSDB KPSEBOJ), snapper (-VUKBOVTsp.), mackerel (4DPNCFSPNPSVT
sp.), and several species of sharks.
In terms of protein per square meter, the Sea of Cortez ranks among the richest marine environments anywhere in the world. However, there are no significant
stream systems between the Río Concepción and the Río
Sonora, and the availability of fresh water is limited to
only a few widely dispersed springs and tinajas, or bedrock catchment basins.
The Southern Coastal Belt Province
The Southern Coastal Belt encompasses the southern
limits of the coastal plain, which becomes a narrow
band extending southward into Sinaloa. This province
is dominated by the broad alluvial deposits of the Yaqui
and Mayo rivers. In this region, the Sonoran Desert
vegetation blends with Sinaloan Thornscrub. From just
north of the Río Mayo, the mesophyllic Sinaloan Thornscrub becomes predominant (Rzedowski 1981:209). Acacia ("DZNCJTQJOB) is the primary plant on the coastal
plain (Shreve 1937), forming both open and dense
woodlands. Other plants associated with the acacia
woodland include tree morning glory, pitahaya or organpipe cactus (4UFOPDFSFVTUIVSCFSJ), senita (-PQIPDFSFVT
TDIPUUJ), hecho (1BDIZDFSFVTQFDUFOBCPSJHOVN), agaves
("HBWFTDIPUUJand "PDBIVJ), ironwood (0MOFZBUFTPUB),
torote (#VSTFSB sp.), cassias ($BTTJBBUPNBSJBand $
FNBSHJOBUB), greythorn (;J[JQIVTTPOPSFOTJT), Sonoran
ebony (1JUIFDFMMPCJVNTPOPSBF), palo colorado ($BFTBMQJOJB QMBUZMPCB), -PODIPDBSQVT NFHBMBOUIVT, copalillo
(+BUSPQIBDPSEBUB), palo verde ($FSDJEJVNUPSSFZBOVN),
mesquite (1SPTPQJT sp.), mauto (-ZTJMPNB EJWBSJDBUB),
and palo blanco (1JTDJEJBNPMMJT) (Brown 1994:101–104;
Rzedowski 1981:210).
Sierra Madre Occidental Province
Lastly, the eastern margins of Sonora are defined by the
massive blocks of rhyolite that form the Sierra Madre
Occidental. Oak woodlands are prevalent on the lower
mountain ranges that form foothills above 1000 m. The
uppermost reaches of the Sierra Madre Occidental, at
elevations of between 2000 and 3000 m, are populated
by conifers including Douglas fir (1TFVEPUTVHBNFO[JFTJJ)
and various species of pines, 1JOVTQPOEFSPTB 1BSJ[POJDB 1FOHFMNBOOJJ and 1DIJIVBIVBOBamong them
(Rzedowski 1981:297).
30 r $IBQUFS
HISTORY OF PALEO-INDIAN AND ARCHAIC
RESEARCH IN SONORA
The first discovery suggesting the possible existence of
early humans in Sonora was made in January 1937 at
the Chinobampo Ranch, 32 km southeast of Navajoa.
There, Howard Scott Gentry and John C. Blick discovered a human skull embedded in a caliche-like deposit
of probable Pleistocene age. This stratum also contained
the remains of camel, horse, and wolf. The skull, along
with a 50-pound stratigraphic block, was removed and
transported back to New York during a second visit to
the locality in March of the same year (Blick 1938).
Gordon Ekholm and Carl Sauer visited the Chinobampo locale the following year, affirming that it was
indeed plausible that this find was a genuinely ancient
deposit. Ekholm and Sauer concluded that if the skull
exhibited evidence of having been within a lime deposit
it is probably legitimate (Ekholm 1938:46). Ekholm (1937,
1940) also reported seeing slab metates, cobble manos,
and projectile points at several locations near the Rio
Mayo and at a large shell midden at Topolobampo in
northernmost Sinaloa, suggesting that these assemblages
were comparable to the (as yet unpublished) Cochise tradition that had only just recently been defined by Sayles
and Antevs (1941).
Malcolm Rogers, recognized today as the “father of
desert archaeology,” believed that coastal Sonora had
served as a corridor for “early man” (Hayden 1956:19).
In the early 1940s, Rogers urged Julian Hayden to explore
this region further. Hayden (1956, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1976;
personal communication, 1997) subsequently recorded
a large Archaic shell midden located on an ancient, relic
estuary at Estero Tastiota, along with several Archaic
period sites in the Sierra Pinacate, the region to which
he would devote his attention over most of the ensuing
five decades.
With the principal objective of defining the southern
extent of the Cochise Archaic tradition, Donald Lehmer
(1949a:4) and Bryant Bannister undertook an extensive
jeep survey of Sonora in 1949. Several sites that they
compared to “later Cochise horizons” were recorded
in the Río Sonora, Zanjón, Estero Tastiota, and Arroyo
Cuchujaqui areas (Lehmer 1949a:5). They also reexamined the Arroyo Chinobampo locale, but were unable to
locate any bones or artifacts (Lehmer 1949b).
During the 1950s, George Fay (1955, 1967) defined
the “Peralta Complex” on the basis of 17 Archaic sites
he recorded to the west of Hermosillo. Paul Ezell (1954)
collected several Archaic projectile points, including Pinto points, in his survey of the Papaguería Borderlands, which incorporated extreme northwestern
Sonora. Thomas Hinton (1955) reported three San Pedro
points as the only Archaic artifacts observed during his
survey of the Altar Valley. Frank Holzkamper (1956)
collected several projectile points at Estero Tastiota that
were subsequently identified by Rogers as San Dieguito
II through Amargosa I types (Hayden 1956:22). Eduardo
Noguera (1958) carried out a brief, but extensive, reconnaissance in the vicinity of Guaymas and Bahía Kino,
and described several sites as being affiliated with the
Archaic Cochise culture.
In the following decade, Ronald Ives (1963) recorded
cultural materials and shell middens associated with a
fossil $IJPOF shell shoreline in the region between Estero
Tastiota and Bahía Adair. Ives noted that another, earlier
5VSJUFMMB shoreline that was presumably associated with
the late Pleistocene lacked cultural materials. In 1965,
Charles Di Peso (1965) reported on two fluted Clovis
points that were found by a collector in an old estuary 30
miles north of Guaymas. In 1968, Walter W. Taylor and
José Luis Lorenzo carried out excavations at the Tetabejo
Cave (SON O:5:6) located south of Hermosillo in the
Sierra Libre (Julio Montané, personal communication
2007; Richard Pailes, personal communication 2007).
In the years prior to the establishment of the office
of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia
(INAH) in Hermosillo in 1973, the late Manuel Robles,
Director of the Museo de la Universidad de Sonora in
Hermosillo, and an amateur archaeologist, undertook
the responsibility of documenting the cultural resources
reported in Sonora. Robles spent countless weekends
working with a group of local amateur archaeologists
to prospect for archaeological sites, particularly Clovis
sites. Robles also invited Vance Haynes from the University of Arizona and James Ayres from the Arizona
State Museum to visit the some of the sites he documented. In 1972, Robles and Manzo Taylor (1972; Robles
1974) reported on 11 localities associated with 25 Clovis
points located in the northern half of Sonora. Six of these
localities are near the Gulf of California, with the others
distributed in the basin and range province and on the
Llanos de Sonora. Although we have not yet relocated
all the sites reported by Robles and Manzo Taylor, our
knowledge of the sites that we have visited, and the evaluation of the collections deposited at the Centro INAH
Sonora and the Museo Regional de la Universidad de
Sonora, are beginning to provide an indication of the
'SBNFXPSLTGPS4POPSBO&BSMZ1SFIJTUPSZ r 31
Paleoindian occupation of Sonora. Julian Hayden, who
visited and studied the Estero Tastiota site with Manuel
Robles, assured us that the Clovis occupation was associated with the shell middens on the coast (Julian Hayden,
personal communication 1994). Unfortunately, the area
around Estero Tastiota has been impacted by the development of shrimp ranches that modified the land and
destroyed archaeological sites.
Among the sites reported by Robles, El Bajío (SON
K:1:3) is clearly the most remarkable and may represent
the largest Clovis period site in western North America.
In the summer of 1975, Kenneth and Marian McIntyre,
schoolteachers from Vancouver, Canada, conducted an
archaeological survey, made surface collections, and conducted limited test excavations at the site. They identified
600 roasting pits or hearths on the surface (McIntyre
and McIntyre 1976). The next researcher to work at the
site was Julio Montané, from the Centro INAH Sonora.
Montané was the archaeologist who excavated the wellknown early Chilean site associated with gomphothere
remains and artifacts at Laguna Taguatagua (Montané
1968:1137). Between 1977 and 1981, he excavated a series
of trenches in 10 localities within El Bajío and collected
many artifacts from the surface of the site (Montané
1985, 1988). Unfortunately, neither of these studies
was completed, and no field notes or reports from the
research are known to exist. However, 10 boxes containing an estimated 300,000 artifacts (tools and debitage)
recovered by the McIntyre and Montané projects at El
Bajío are currently curated in the Centro INAH Sonora.
The collection of artifacts housed at the Centro INAH
Sonora show a clear association with the early Paleoindian period and indicates there was a dense occupation
at El Bajío.
The Centro de Estudios Mexicanos y Centroamericanos (CEMCA) carried out several field seasons in
Sonora during the 1980s with the goal of defining a cultural sequence from Pleistocene groups to the Hia-Ced
O’odham, the Piman hunter-gatherers who persisted in
this region until the late nineteenth century. The archaeological evidence from Quitovac, a sacred site of the
Tohono O’odham situated near the international border,
has been the source of considerable controversy regarding the association of Pleistocene fauna and Paleoindian
hunters. In report on excavations at Quitovac, Rodríguez
and Silva (1987) noted the association of stone tools with
the remains of a mammoth in what they described as a
paleo-lake. However, the description of these materials is
vague and no clear evidence is presented to substantiate
their claim of association between the tools and the faunal
remains. In a subsequent publication, Rodríguez-Loubet
reports that the faunal remains were almost completely
deteriorated, thus prohibiting them from establishing
a positive association with the lithic artifacts, and that
the poor state of bone preservation prevented the identification of cut-marks, butchering scars, or “fractures
that could be attributed to human origin” (RodríguezLoubet and others 1993:212, my translation). In arguing
that there was a human presence at Quitovac during the
Pleistocene, Rodriguez-Loubet and others (1993:262)
indicate only that stone tools and faunal remains were
recovered from the same stratigraphic association.
In 2004 and 2005, Edmund P. Gaines (2006) carried
out geoarchaeological investigations in the Upper San
Pedro Valley for his master´s degree at the University of
Arizona. The principal goal of this study was to look for
Clovis sites and to try to correlate the late Pleistocene
stratigraphy on the Upper San Pedro in Sonora with
that found along the river in Arizona, where the sites of
Naco, Navarrete, Lehner, Murray Spring and Escapule
are located. Gaines spent several months investigating
geoarchaeological, alluvial, and paleontological contexts,
locating one Clovis site. Although no buried archaeological deposits of late Pleistocene age were observed,
Gaines (2006) documented three localities with fine raw
material sources (chert, petrified wood, and quartz crystal) suitable for manufacturing stone tools.
CULTURAL-HISTORICAL CHRONOLOGY
OF SONORA
Investigations during the last 15 years in the Sonoran
Desert have greatly improved our understanding of the
ancient people of Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene
age, including chronology and human adaptations. In
constructing a provisional cultural sequence for the
earliest periods of human occupation in northwestern
Mexico, we rely on diagnostic projectile point types
that can be correlated with established North American
Paleoindian and Archaic sequences. The radiocarbon
dates that recently have been obtained allow us to place
these projectile points in chronological order.
Early Paleoindian Occupation of Sonora
The early Paleoindian occupation of Sonora is the principal focus of this monograph and will be discussed over
the next chapters; here I will only point out that this
period is well represented in Sonora. The large number
32 r $IBQUFS
of early Paleoindian sites provide us with a new corpus
of data that is changing and improving the explanations
of the early Paleoindian occupation of western North
America.
Late Paleo-Indian Occupation
One striking aspect of the Sonoran Desert Paleoindian
record is the absence of Folsom points. Of the various
post-Clovis Paleoindian traditions in the United States,
Folsom is by far the best known and best documented.
Folsom is classically a Great Plains tradition (Hofman
and Graham 1998), although significant Folsom occupations and collections are also documented in the central Rio Grande valley and adjacent basins (Judge 1973;
Amick 1996; Holliday 2005). The frequency of Folsom
finds drops significantly farther west, especially to the
southwest in southern Arizona (Ballenger and others 2011 Holliday 2005; Mabry and Faught 1998). The
absence of Folsom materials west of the Sierra Madre
Occidental in Mexico, therefore, is in keeping with the
larger pattern of Folsom distribution (Gaines and others
2009b). In contrast, Folsom artifacts are reported from
northern Mexico east of the Sierra Madre Occidental,
but Clovis materials are extremely rare in that region
(Sanchez 2001).
At the sites of El Bajío, Fin del Mundo, and SON N:11:
20-21, a variety of unfluted lanceolate bifaces have been
found. These bifaces do not appear to be related to Late
Paleoindian varieties, such as Golondrina or Plainview,
as was previously thought (Gaines and others 2009b). At
El Bajío a dozen of triangular bifaces with square bases
and overshot flaking, some in the process of manufacture
and others finished, were found in a workshop feature.
Their chronology is unknown, and the use wear and
breakage pattern they exhibit appear to indicate that they
were used primarily as knives.
Certainly, the late Paleoindian occupation of Sonora
is not well represented. This could be interpreted as a
decrease in human population in Sonora. In the adjacent area of southeastern Arizona, Ballenger and others (2011) describe a noticeable 1,400-year hiatus in the
archaeological record following the Clovis occupation
and late Pleistocene extinctions. But the available evidence also could be interpreted to mean that after Clovis
a regionalization of hunter-gatherer groups took place
in Sonora. An early Archaic subsistence pattern appears
to have evolved soon after the Clovis occupation of the
Sonoran Desert, as has been previously proposed by
Cordell (1997) and Mabry (Mabry and Faught 1998).
Early Holocene Archaic Period Occupations
Unfortunately, stratified deposits with artifacts of possible early Holocene contexts have yet to be reported. The
following discussion draws upon artifacts from surface
collections at the La Playa site and from four sites with a
documented Clovis component (SON K:15:1, SON K:1:3,
SON N:11:20, and SON O:3:1).
The Malpais Phase of the San Dieguito Complex
The San Dieguito complex was defined by Malcolm Rogers (1939), based on his research in Southern California.
The complex orginally was divided into an earlier Malpais industry and a later San Dieguito industry. Rogers (1958) later proposed a new subdivision using San
Dieguito I, II, and III phases. Julian Hayden (1967, 1976,
1987) revived the term Malpais to describe an industry
that he considered to be an early and distinct basal stage
of the San Dieguito complex. As used by Hayden, the
Malpais phase is represented by heavily patinated chopping and scraping tools from the Sierra Pinacate. Hayden
thought these tools were part of a pre-projectile point
lithic industry associated with small bands of foragers.
A Malpais phase lithic component was recognized
at La Playa (Martinez and others 2002). The local stratigraphy in this area of the site is comprised of a late
Pleistocene basin fill with a well-expressed red soil (“Big
Red” with Bt-Bk horizonation) locally buried by a gravel
stratum that probably represents an inverted Pleistocene stream channel (Fig. 3.3). The Malpais phase lithic
assemblage is located on top of the inverted channel.
The location of the Malpais phase tools indicates that
the archaeological component was deposited sometime
after the channel was abandoned. Thus, the archaeological feature cannot be older than the early Holocene.
García Moreno (2008:194–195) carried out a technological and morphological analysis of more than 1,000
artifacts at La Playa, based upon the degree of patination
present on the artifacts. She concluded that at least 50
percent of the assemblage is representative of the San
Dieguito Phases I or II (with a wide range of probable
chronology from 9,000 to 5,000 B.P.). At least 29 percent
of the artifacts are representative of San Dieguito Phase
III or later (Garcia Moreno 2008:195). However, a heavily
patinated grooved-axe fragment, dating to no earlier that
A.D. 1000, was also identified within the La Playa Malpais assemblage, contributing to doubts regarding the
presumed correlation between the formation processes
of desert varnish and the purported antiquity of artifacts.
'SBNFXPSLTGPS4POPSBO&BSMZ1SFIJTUPSZ r 33
'JHVSF Schematic cross-section of straigraphy at the Malpais locality at La Playa.
Tapering Stem Point Styles
Within the southwestern United States, tapering
stemmed projectiles have been variously named Jay, Lake
Mojave, Silver Lake, and Ventana Amargosa (Lorentzen
1998:142); however, all of these points share morphological, technological, geographical, and chronological
attributes, and they can be described in the same group.
These points have a long, contracted stem that is frequently edge ground, a trait that is likely correlated with
shaft technology (Lorentzen 1998:142). Jay points have
gentle shoulders and a lightly contracting stems; Lake
Mojave points have pointed contracting stems, with the
longitude of the stem greater than that of the body and
weak shouldering (Sliva 1997:49); Silver Lake points are
smaller than other points in this group, with wide contracting stems and light shoulders (Justice 2002a, 2002b).
Lake Mojave and Silver Lake projectile points are generally dated to about 6000 B.C. in the Great Basin, and
may represent types associated with the San Dieguito
complex. The Jay points are thought to date between 6000
and 4800 B.C. (Sliva 1997:49). In regions west and south
of the Colorado Plateau, the Lake Mojave and Silver Lake
point types have been found within the southern Basin
and Range Province and the lower valley of the Colorado
River (Lorentzen 1998:142; Mabry 1998a:57), and they are
also reported from sites in southern California (Justice
2002a:108). In contrast, the Jay point type is restricted to
the Colorado Plateau, Rio Grande Valley, and Chihuahua
Desert regions (Huckell 1996:360).
In Sonora, tapering stem points have been documented from six sites, including La Playa near Trincheras, Apasco, and SON K:O:1 in the Río Matape basin
(Fig. 3.4), El Bajío, SON N:11:20 on the Central Coast,
and at a site near Carbó. The variety of landscapes where
this point style have been recorded suggest that during
'JHVSF Tappering stem
point from SON K:O:1.
the early Archaic and middle Archaic periods, hunter
and gatherer groups were familiar with and explored a
wide range of territories, playas and estuaries near the
coast, the Plains of Sonora, and the upland of the Basin
and Range Province. Unfortunately, all the points are
surface finds and none of the archaeological contexts
are dated.
Middle Holocene or Altithermal Archaic Traditions
The Middle Holocene, or Altithermal period, was initially defined by Antevs (1955) as a shift to higher temperatures and decreased precipitation, the severity of
which is still contested. Although Middle Archaic points
34 r $IBQUFS
account for 15 percent of the total assemblage, only seven
of the 254 projectile points (2.7 percent) are identified as
Pinto or San Jose types at La Playa. At Fin del Mundo, 50
Pinto points have been found (Sanchez Morales 2012).
We suspect that La Playa, along with much of the lowland desert borderlands, was likely abandoned during at
least a portion of the Altithermal, consistent with models
previously proposed by Berry and Berry (1986), Hayden
(1976), Mabry (1998a), and others. Altithermal period
projectile points, such as the Pinto and San Jose types,
probably reflect brief incursions by northern groups
from the Great Basin or Colorado Plateau, or both, into
the Sonoran Desert during sporadic periods of ameliorative climatic conditions (Carpenter and others 2001).
Increased use of the Boquillas Valley apparently coincides with a return to wetter climatic conditions when
the Altithermal ended around 4500 B.P. Several soil formations showing evidence of wetter conditions at about
5000 to 4500 years B.P. have been seen at some sites in
addition to La Playa.
At La Playa, 13 percent of the Middle Archaic projectile points are best associated with the early portion of
the late Holocene—immediately prior to the Early Agriculture period. These Middle Archaic points include four
Chiricahua points (4800 to 2500 B.P.), 27 Cortaro points
(4300 to 2300 B.P.), and two Gypsum points (4500 to
1500 B.P.) (Lorenzten 1998:144–147). Several archaeologists have noted the apparent discontinuity in the Middle
Archaic sequence associated with the beginning of the
Late Holocene (Berry and Berry 1986; Huckell 1996;
Mabry 1998a, 1998b). The appearance of contractingstem points, including a number of regional variants
considered under the general rubric of “Gypsum Cave”
points, coincides with the beginning of the Late Holocene. This point style co-occurs with maize in the Coxcatlan phase in the Tehuacan Valley, and represents a new
technology using adhesives to attach the dart point to the
foreshaft, suggesting that independent technologies diffused together (Carpenter and others 1997, 2002; Mabry
and others 2008).
Late Archaic and Early Agriculture Periods
Initial cultivation of maize began in the Sonoran Desert around 2000 B.C. The La Playa site represents the
single largest Early Agriculture period site yet known
within Northwest Mexico and the U.S. Southwest.. La
Playa comprises at least 10 square kilometers along either
side of the Río Boquillas, approximately 37 km to the
southwest of Santa Ana, Sonora, and 10 km north of
Cerro de Trincheras, the extensively terraced basalt hill
considered to be the type site for the Trincheras culture
of northwestern Sonora (Carpenter and others 2005).
The Río Boquillas rises on the western flanks of the
Sierra Cibuta, southwest of Nogales, and flows in a
southwesterly direction to its confluence with the Río
Magdalena and Río Concepción some 15 km to the west
of Estación Trincheras. The Río Boquillas flows along the
northern side of the alluvium-filled basin, close to the
pediment of the Boquillas Mountains. Although the Río
Boquillas is presently dry for most of the year, as recently
as the early 1960s it was considered to be a perennial
river (Johnson 1963). Today, the Río Boquillas is deeply
entrenched, in some areas as much as 5 m below the
surrounding ground surface; however, during the occupation of La Playa, the river flowed on a higher terrace
that was an active alluvial fan and floodplain (Carpenter
and others 2005; Sanchez 1998).
La Playa (SON F:10:3) is a predominantly Early Agriculture period site with significant Archaic components,
along with a Clovis point, bifaces, and partially fossilized antler billets of probable Paleoindian affiliation. In
addition, the remains of numerous species of Pleistocene
fauna (&RVVT $BNFMPQT .BNNVUIVT #JTPOBOUJRVVT
4JHNPEPO, Cervids, and "OUJMPDBQSB, along with an
exceptional number of tortoises—((PQIFSVT or Hesperatudae) were identified within a Pleistocene paleosol and
the alluvial deposits lying directly above it (Carpenter
and others 2005:20; Jim Mead, personal communication
2003; Sanchez and Carpenter 2012).
La Playa has been investigated for more than 18 years
(Carpenter and others 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2009;
Carpenter 2009; Villalpando and others 2009, 2010,
2012). The artifacts and features of La Playa are similar to those found at San Pedro (1200 to 800 B.C.) and
Cienega phase (800 B.C. to A.D. 50) sites in southeastern
Arizona. The 267 human burials recovered at La Playa,
dated to the Early Agriculture period, provide the largest burial sample for this period. More than 550 prehistoric archaeological features have been investigated at
La Playa. In addition to the burials, they include human
and animal cremations, dog burials, a variety of pits,
flaked stone scatters, ground stone caches, two structures
located on the slopes of the Cerro Boquillas, a probable
pit house, geoglyph figures, petroglyphs, about 35 ha of
probable linear-bordered agricultural fields, and irrigation canals (Carpenter and others 2009; Villalpando and
others 2012). Archaeological data indicate that humans
intermittently used the Río Boquillas valley since Late
'SBNFXPSLTGPS4POPSBO&BSMZ1SFIJTUPSZ r 35
Pleistocene times. The earliest archaeological feature
dated at La Playa is a female burial with a radiocarbon
date of 3720 ± 320 B.P. During recent geomorphological investigations carried out by Copeland and others
(2012:2937), an occupational surface was identified in
two different profiles. Charcoal at these occupational
surfaces was radiocarbon dated to 4330 ± 90 and 4160
± 80, suggesting that the Boquillas Valley was inhabited
without interruption once the Altithermal period ended
and environmental conditions improved (Carpenter and
Sanchez 2013).
The arrival of maize in the Sonoran Desert changed
the lives of the people living there. Permanent agricultural villages began to appear in alluvial plains with welldrained soils and adequate water for agriculture. The
Archaic way of life that prevailed for thousands of years
was replaced by a less mobile life in river valleys, where
sophisticated water control systems were built. Communities with an economic base dependent on farmed
goods and supplemented with products obtained from
the surrounding lands became the most common way of
life in the Sonoran Desert. Distinctive cultural regions
with the varied languages, traits, and traditions emerged
all over Sonora.
The notable Clovis presence on the coastal plain and
in the central river valley systems suggests that these
regions of Sonora supported long-term residential settlement for both Paleoindian and Archaic hunter-gatherer
groups. Binford (1980) and Kelly (1992, 1995) posit that
the most important condition determining mobility
strategies of hunter-gatherer groups is the natural environment, which defines the distribution of food and
water. The fundamental resources for hunter-gatherer
groups are permanent water and lithic raw material for
tool making; these are indispensable within a given territory. The Llanos de Hermosillo and surrounding areas
offered Paleoindian and Archaic groups all the resources
they needed.
The nascent Sonoran Desert flora and fauna provide
a relatively high biomass for human exploitation, with
many of the desert plants producing seeds and fruits
high in nutrients throughout various seasons of the year
(Nabhan 1985, 1989). Accessibility of edible resources is a
key variable in determining mobility and the number of
residential campsites occupied during the yearly rounds
of hunter-gatherers. The archaeological data available for
Sonora has permitted us to reconstruct a preliminary
cultural history, although this reconstruction will need
to be updated as additional research is conducted.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRACTICE AND
SITE VISIBILITY
The state of Sonora is allocated less than 1 percent of the
Mexican federal budget for archaeological investigations;
most of the funding goes to the investigation and restoration of monumental pre-Columbian urban centers with
attractive pyramids for tourists, such as Teotihuacan,
Tajín, and the Templo Mayor. Foreign scholars carried
out the first archaeological explorations in Sonora at the
end of the nineteenth century. The Instituto Nacional de
Antropología e Historia (INAH) established a branch at
Hermosillo in 1973, and Mexican archaeologists began
to develop archaeological projects in Sonora. Data collected by Cesar Villalobos Acosta (2007) shows that by
2003 a total of 57 archaeological research projects were
carried out in Sonora, with 69 percent of these supported
with foreign funding. In the last 10 years, 22 projects had
been carried out in Sonora, and at least half of these projects were sponsored by foreign institutions. A total of 12
regional survey projects have been conducted in Sonora,
with five of these developed in the last eight years. In
contrast, during the same period in Arizona, 60 projects
were carried out annually.
At any given time, there are 25 archaeologists
employed full-time in Sonora. In contrast, the Arizona
State Museum estimates there are about 1,200 archaeologists employed full-time in Arizona (Paul Fish, personal
communication 2012). Sonora encompasses an area of
184,933 square kilometers, Arizona is about 40 percent
larger than Sonora, encompassing 295,253 square kilometers. There is therefore one archaeologist for every
1,233 square kilometers in Sonora, while in Arizona there
is one archaeologist for every 246 square kilometers. In
the Tucson Basin, Stephanie Whittlesey, Suzanne Fish,
and Paul Fish (personal communication 2012) estimate
that there is one archaeologist for every 4 square kilometers. Some regions in Arizona are, therefore, more intensively investigated than comparable regions in Sonora.
Sonora, unquestionably, has the highest density of
Clovis sites in the region. A total of 114 Clovis points are
known in Sonora; in the neighboring state of Arizona
109 Clovis points are known (Ballenger and others 2011;
Prasciunas 2011). The contrast between the two states is
even more notable when the low number of full-time
archaeologists in Sonora, and the relatively few projects
that are conducted every year in the state, are taken into
account. Although the total number of Clovis points is
similar between Arizona and Sonora, Arizona is much
36 r $IBQUFS
larger than Sonora and there are many more archaeologists working there. If we compare all Clovis artifacts
found in Sonora and Arizona, including points, bifaces,
endscrapers, blades, blade cores, and tablets, the visibility
of Clovis in Sonora is even greater than that in Arizona.
Arizona archaeologists have documented 152 Clovis artifacts (Huckell 1978, 1982:3, 2007), while archaeologists
have found 618 Clovis artifacts in Sonora. In comparing
the number of archaeologists, projects, Clovis points,
and Clovis artifacts, it is easy to speculate that Clovis
groups used Sonora more intensively than Arizona.
The late Pleistocene and early Holocene archaeological record in Sonora is robust and highly visible, even
though the level of investigations is limited. A possible
explanation for the high visibility of Paleoindian archaeology in Sonora is that late Pleistocene deposits are still
preserved in many places, and that rapidly deflating
surfaces contribute to exposing archaeological remains.
The eroded surfaces are due to a combination of recent
overgrazing, aridity, and groundwater pumping that has
dropped the water table.. Modern population growth
and cultivation are two factors in Sonora that have little
effect on the visibility of Clovis points and sites because
little cultivation is done in the desert, and only three
Clovis points have been found in the city of Hermosillo.
About 50 percent of the Clovis points in Sonora have
been found by collectors. A group of about dozen collectors were active from 1967 to 1985, and many of the
collections were made during that period. There are
still several Clovis collectors active in Sonora, and their
impact is apparent on sites located within two hours
travel from Hermosillo.
It is unlikely that the number of archaeologists working full time in Sonora is going to increase significantly
over the next 10 years. However, large infrastructure
projects such as pipelines, mines, artificial lakes, and
aqueducts planned by the Mexican government are
beginning to be developed. These projects will affect
large areas that have never been studied, so archaeological assessment that take place as part of these projects
will increase our knowledge of zones that will never be
studied in any other way.
CHAPTER FOUR
Archaeological Investigations of the
Late Pleistocene Occupation of Sonora
D
ated at 11,500 radiocarbon years ago, the Clovis
industry represents the oldest cultural horizon in
the Americas. Several well-known Clovis sites, including
Naco, Lehner, and Murray Springs, are located along the
San Pedro River Valley in southeastern Arizona (Haury
and others 1953, 1959; Haynes 1966, 1969, 1976, 1982,
1987, 2007; Hemmings 1970). These sites, which include
mammoth and bison kill sites and camp sites, have an
unusually complete record of late Quaternary depositional and erosional events, as well as a robust series of
radiocarbon dates (Haynes 1991, 1993, 2000a, 2000b;
Huckell 2007; Taylor and others 1996). These San Pedro
River sites are located only a few kilometers north of the
international border between Arizona and Sonora.
Relatively few systematic archaeological investigations have been conducted within the state of Sonora,
a region where even the ceramic period traditions
remain vaguely defined. My interests in the Paleoindian
and Archaic occupations of Sonora were kindled over
a decade ago, when the research I did at the predominantly Early Agriculture period site of La Playa (SON
F:10:3) revealed a Paleoindian component at the site. In
addition, the remains of numerous species of Pleistocene
fauna (&RVVT $BNFMPQT .BNNVUIVT #JTPO"OUJRVVT
4JHNPEPO Cervidae, and "OUJMPDBQSB, along with an
exceptional number of tortoises ((PQIFSVT or Hesperatudae) were collected (Jim Mead, personal communication 2003). The bones were deposited in red soil of
Pleistocene age (Carpenter and others 2005:20).
In 1997, I began a research project to identify and
document Clovis and other Paleoindian artifacts housed
in museum collections and private collections. All of the
collectors in Sonora were contacted, and photographs of
artifacts were taken with the help of Julio Montané, Elisa
Villalpando, and John Carpenter. I attempted to relocate
[37]
and document the localities that had probable Paleoindian contexts. In 2003, the project Geoarqueología y
Tecnología Lítica de los sitios Paleoindios de Sonora was
funded by the Argonaut Archaeological Research Fund
of the University of Arizona, and since then a coordinated effort between geologists and archaeologists from
the University of Arizona and INAH has developed to
study of the archaeology and the depositional context
of Paleoindian sites in Sonora. Our ongoing efforts to
document artifact collections and known localities of
Paleoindian sites, and our quest to find new Paleoindian
sites, indicate that the northern half of Sonora contains
a relatively high distribution of Clovis Paleonidian sites
and a wide spread distribution of isolated Clovis points.
Our research has identified several sites with the
potential of having late Pleistocene buried deposits with
intact archaeological features. To date, geoarchaeological
investigations have been carried out at seven sites: El Bajío
(SON K:1:3), El Gramal (SON N:11:20), SON O:3:1, SON
J:16:8; and Fin del Mundo (SON J:6:1). This fieldwork has
yielded abundant Paleoindian artifacts and features, and
our research team has visited many other Paleoindian
localities that are under investigation (Fig. 4.1).
EL BAJÍO (SON K:1:3)
El Bajío, investigated in 2003, has numerous Clovis diagnostic artifacts. This site presents the most evidence for
Paleoindian occupation of any place known in Sonora.
In many localities within El Bajío, the artifacts appear
to have been recently exposed through erosion, and the
site thus has the potential to yield buried archaeological contexts.
El Bajío is located approximately 15 km southeast of
the town of Opodepe and 40 km northeast of Carbo, on
38 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Paleoindian sites in Sonora. Cartography by José Raúl Ortiz.
the southwestern piedmont of the Sierra San Jeronimo.
The Sierra San Jeronimo is the range that separates the
parallel valleys of the Río San Miguel and the wide valley
of the Río Zanjon. The Río Zanjon Valley is situated in
the parallel valleys and mountain ranges of the Sonoran
physiographic province. The broad valley, more than 30
km wide, is filled with sediment. The valley runs in a
north-south direction, immediately to the west of the
more heavily eroded valley of the Río San Miguel (Fig.
4.2). These two valleys form part of the Río Sonora
drainage basin. They both empty into the Río Sonora
in the vicinity of Hermosillo. The Río Sonora, in turn,
debouches into the Sea of Cortez at Estero Tastiota on
the Central Coast.
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 39
'JHVSF El Bajío site area. Map data © 2010 Google, INEGI, Digital Globe, CNES/SPOT Image.
At a median elevation of 800 m above mean sea level,
El Bajío is situated on a pediment that forms a small,
slightly inclined, irregularly shaped bajío, or low-lying
area. This landform, which trends in a northwesterlysoutheasterly direction at the southern edge of El Bajío,
was created by the piedmont of the granitic Sierra San
Jeronimo to the northwest and a series of volcanic peaks
of basalt that comprise the Cerro La Vuelta. The basalt
hills near El Bajío represent a recent geological phenomenon that interrupted the more ancient granitic slope of
the Sierra San Jerónimo, forming the irregularly shaped,
low-lying area for which the site is named. This geomorphological setting promotes the formation of small
alluvial fans, possibly creating conditions where water
accumulated for short periods of time at the end of the
Pleistocene. Presently, springs do not exist within this
arid zone.
Annual precipitation in this region is 309.3 mm, of
which approximately 190 mm falls during the cyclonic
summer storms, or chubascos (Turner and Brown
1994:218). The site is associated with a transitional biotic
community. A finger of the Sinaloan thornscrub (NBUPSSBMFTQJOPTPTJOBMPFOTF) extends northward through the
adjacent valley of the Río San Miguel, intermixing with
the Sonoran Desert vegetation. The local flora consists
of thorny shrubs, with riparian plants along the margins of the drainages. The vegetation includes stands of
ironwood (0MOFZBUFTPUB), mesquite (1SPTPQJTWFMVUJOB),
various species of palo verde ($FSDJEJVN sp.), ocotillo
('PVRVJFSJBNBDEPVHBMJJ), palo blanco (*QPNPFBBSCPSFTDFOT), and pochote ($FJCBBDVNJOBUB), as well as cacti,
including pitahaya or organpipe (4UFOPDFSFVTUIVSCFSJ),
chollas (0QVOUJB sp.) and various species of agave ("HBWF
spp.). Dispersed low shrubs are scarce but include IJFSCB
EFMWBTPor brittlebush (&ODFMJBGBSJOPTB) and TBOHSFHBEP
or limberbush (+BUSPQIBDBSEJPQIJMMB). The characteristic fauna include white-tailed deer (0EPDPJMFVTWJSHJOJBOVT), mule deer (0IFNJPOVTDSPPLJ), coyote ($BOJT
MBUSBOT), collared peccary (%JDPUZMFTUBKBDV), cottontail
rabbit (4ZMWJMBHVT BVEVCPO), black-tailed jackrabbit
40 r $IBQUFS
(-FQVTDBMJGPSOJDVT), desert tortoise ((PQIFSVTBHBTTJ[J),
numerous rodents (/FPUPNB spp., 1FSPNZTFVT spp.,
1FSPHOBUIVT spp.), and a wide variety of birds (Turner
and Brown 1994).
In 1996, Julio Montané took John Carpenter, Elisa
Villalpando, and me to El Bajío. Immediately upon our
arrival, we found four distal fragments of Clovis points
and preforms. Two years later, accompanied by C. Vance
Haynes and Paul Fish, we found a nearly complete Clovis
point in two fragments separated by a distance of four
meters. The fracture of this point was not recent, and the
two pieces appeared to have eroded from buried contexts. Considering the large quantity of tools that Manuel
Robles, Julio Montané, and the McIntyre´s collected at
this site, El Bajío is one of the largest Clovis sites in western North America.
Initiating research at El Bajío was difficult because
Señor Molina, the landowner, prohibited entry to his
ranch. After three months of intense negotiations, at
every level, Señor Molina at last relented, giving us permission to conduct the fieldwork that we carried out
between April 28 and June 7, 2003. In order to better
understand the site and its setting, we implemented
a research strategy entailing total survey coverage of
the area, employing the method proposed by Fish and
Kowaleski (1990). The explicit objectives of the systematic survey were to identify the site boundaries, identify
the various localities within the site, and identify those
loci with the greatest probability of containing buried
contexts. We carried out extensive surveys to locate
stratigraphic horizons and paleontological elements that
were exposed in arroyo cuts. We then made systematic
collections of all diagnostic artifacts (Paleoindian and
Archaic), conducted test excavations in selected locations, and undertook extensive excavations of several
surface features to identify buried Paleoindian contexts
and reconstruct the depositional history of the site.
The site extends over an area of 4 square kilometers,
with a low-to-moderate distribution of artifacts observed
throughout 22 distinct loci that were defined on the basis
of surface artifacts (Fig. 4.3). These loci are distributed
along the pediment, in the low-lying terrain of the bajío,
and on the hilltops. The most important locus is the vitrified basalt that outcrops on Cerro de la Vuelta in the
southwestern portion of the site, designated Locus 20
(Fig. 4.4).
Surface artifacts were systematically collected using
a standardized dog-leash method with a radius of 1 m.
All diagnostic artifacts were also collected. In addition,
each locality was evaluated with regard to its probability
of containing late Pleistocene or early Holocene deposits.
All loci were documented independently of their chronological and cultural affiliation (Table 4.1). Diagnostic
artifact types and the degree of patination on artifacts
were used to determine the loci with a Clovis or early
Paleoindian affiliation.
Eight loci were selected for additional excavation. The
selection process was based upon the character of the
surface artifacts collected, the immediate geomorphology present, and the observable stratigraphy of each
locus. A total of 10 hand-dug test trenches and three 1 m
by 1 m test units were excavated. Extensive excavations
were conducted at visible surface features, including two
knapping stations and 10 fire-cracked thermal features
in dispersed locales. Disarticulated roasting pits (hornos) are common features at El Bajío. In 2003, we documented 110 hornos, and the McIntyres had previously
registered some 600 of the features. It should be noted
that most of the horno features lack contextual integrity,
and it appears that the site surface has been subjected to
a high degree of alteration. We therefore invested a great
amount of time in identifying the 10 intact and semiintact hornos that were subsequently excavated. Several
samples for radiocarbon dates were obtained from different trenches and features (Table 4.2), but no Paleoindian buried features or surface features were found,
even though the lithic assemblages at the surface clearly
suggest a Paleoindian occupation.
At present, it is impossible to create an accurate
cross-section of the site’s depositional history. It is evident, however, that a Pleistocene basin fill with a wellexpressed red soil underlies the site. We think this Pleistocene soil began to form about 15,000 to 13,000 years
ago. This red paleosol was probably the Pleistocene
surface where the Clovis people lived. In some of the
units on top of the Pleistocene red paleosol, sediments
and soils of Middle and Late Holocene age developed;
in other localities, the Pleistocene red soils are heavily
weathered and exposed at the surface. A silty-clay dark
gray stratum that we interpreted as a cienega-like deposit
was radiocarbon-dated to between 4500 and 5500 B.P.
This deposit, observed in three profiles, likely represents
a wetter climatic episode in the region following the Altithermal period.
Locus 20 (Vitrified Basalt Quarry)
Cerro de la Vuelta is the highest landform at El Bajío, and
the vitrified basalt raw material source on the southern
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 41
'JHVSF Loci at El Bajío.
Table 4.1. Cultural Affiliations of the El Bajío Loci
Cultural
Affiliation
Locus
Number
Paleoindian
1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10,
12, 18, 11, 22
10
Paleoindian/
Archaic
20, 2, 3, 15, 8,
16, 21
7
Archaic
9, 14, 19
3
Ceramic
13
1
TOTAL
'JHVSF Cerro de la Vuelta and Locus 20
as viewed from Locus 5 at El Bajío.
Total Number
of Loci
21
42 r $IBQUFS
Table 4.2. Radiocarbon Dates from El Bajío
Sample Number
Locus
Excavation Unit
14
C Date (B.P.)
Material Dated
Stratigraphic Unit
A-13267
11
Trench 2
5390 ± 120
Soil residue
A2 black mat?
A-13268
11
Trench 4
4135 ± 95
Soil residue
A2 black mat?
B-188544
6
Trench 8
3560 ± 40
Charcoal
Occupational surface
on a red soil
A-59681-13270
15
Trench 6
2225 ± 35
Soil residue (upper)
Unit 1 clay deposit
A-59681-13270.1
15
Trench 6
1665 ± 50
Soil residue (upper)
Unit 1 clay deposit
A-59680-13269
15
Trench 6
5180 ± 45
Soil residue (lower)
Unit 1 clay deposit
B-188544
12
Hearth
1980 ± 40
Charcoal
A-15396
5
Horno 50
1260 ± 35
Charcoal
slope of this hill was undoubtedly the principal reason
why Paleoindian groups visited or inhabited this location. Ninety-eight percent of the lithic material documented at the site was derived from this source (Fig. 4.5),
along with lithic waste material dumps that extend for
a distance of more than 20 m (Fig. 4.6). These dumps
contain fragments of biface preforms, hammerstones,
and abraders. The principal quarry area extends over a
hectare (Fig. 4.7). The vitrified basalt occurs naturally in
prismatic and sub-prismatic blocks, and the quality of
the raw material with regard to the production of flaked
stone tools is unpredictable.
Some blocks are fine-grained, and are thus quite knappable, while others reveal abundant internal fractures or
'JHVSF Lithic waste dump at Locus 20 at El Bajío.
'JHVSF Vitrified basalt raw material at El Bajío.
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 20 at El Bajío.
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 43
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 1 at El Bajío.
inclusions of olivine crystals of varying sizes, or both.
The raw material color is also extremely variable, ranging
from a cream color to jet-black. This material has the
characteristic of developing a surface patina; the artifacts at the site can display a thick yellow glaze patina, a
thinner greenish patina, and a grey patina. In addition
to the principal quarry, there exist at least three other
outcrops of raw material within the northeast sector of
the Cerro de la Vuelta and the hills adjacent to Locus
20. This quarry appears to have been exploited mainly
during Paleoindian and Archaic times. At the only locality where ceramics were documented, we observed that
the lithic artifacts were manufactured from water-worn
cobbles of basalt, rhyolite, and diorite, with a notable
absence of vitrified basalt. Locus 20 needs to be explored
in much more detail because it was discovered on the
penultimate day of the field season, and our preliminary
reconnaissance suggests there may be artificial terraces
with deposits that could be excavated at this locus.
Locus 1
Situated in the north-central sector of the site, Locus 1
encompasses an area of 2,750 square meters. This locus
is characterized by a moderate distribution of four to five
artifacts per m2, interspersed with areas of much higher
artifact concentrations. There are also 19 probable horno
features (Fig. 4.8). A lanceolate biface fragment with a
square base of probable Paleoindian affiliation was collected as a diagnostic artifact, along with many biface
thinning flakes and biface fragments with a thick patina.
The archaeological materials in Locus 1 appear to be
eroding out of the well-expressed red palesol of probable late Pleistocene age. The Holocene deposits in the
locus are eroded. The fire-cracked rocks observed on the
surface appear to be greatly altered and scattered. An
unsuccessful attempt was made to locate a sufficiently
intact feature that could be excavated in order to obtain
flotation samples and charcoal. No stratigraphic test
trenches were implemented.
44 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 2 at El Bajío.
Locus 2
This locus, about 6,400 square meters in size, is situated
100 m to the southeast of Locus 1. Here the terrain is
heavily eroded by gullies up to 2 m deep that delimit
the artifact distribution (Fig. 4.9). The artifact density
varies from moderate to dense (from 5 to 10 artifacts per
m2). The sole diagnostic artifact collected is a large biface
that could represent a Clovis preform. In addition, there
were a large number of biface thinning flakes, both with
patina and without.
Although the surface is heavily eroded, it is possible
that buried archaeological features may exist in some
places of the locus; however, we did not excavate any
test trenches. We located old wooden stakes placed in
a 20-m grid using 5-m by 5-m squares that are unquestionably remnants of the controlled surface collections
carried out by Marian and Kenneth McIntyre in 1976. A
total of 10 disarticulated hornos were documented at this
locus. The excavation of Horno No. 22 revealed a dark
matrix lacking of charcoal or ash, evidence of a highly
disturbed area.
Loci 3, 4, 5, 6, and 15
Five loci are located on a ridge west of Cerro Rojo, where
they occupy a 400-m by 300-m area (Fig. 4.10). Here the
pediment extends from the northeast to the southwest on
a highly dissected alluvial remnant that forms a narrow
ridge with the same orientation, with erosional head cuts
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 45
'JHVSF Loci 3, 4, 5, 6 and 15, showing location of test trenches at El Bajío.
emanating in every direction but the north (Fig. 4.11).
The crest of this ridge has an average elevation of 877
m above sea level. These loci represent the sector of the
site with the greatest quantities of Clovis artifacts. The
area was divided in five loci, where distinctive surface
concentrations of artifacts were observed on the surface.
Locus 3 is the northernmost and the highest locus
of the group. A moderate artifact distribution encompassing 15,000 square meters were observed. There are
also eight disarticulated hornos in Locus 3. During the
systematic survey in 2003, no diagnostic Clovis artifacts
were documented at this locus. However, two San Pedro
projectile points dating to the Early Agriculture period
were collected, and much of the lithic debitage at the
locus lacked patina. Nevertheless, in May 1999, a fluted
Clovis preform was found. This Clovis preform was broken into two fragments separated by 6 m, and apparently
had been recently exposed by erosion. During a site visit
46 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF View looking northeast at Loci 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 12 at El Bajío.
in 2002, a group of three large bifaces, probably of Clovis
age, was documented eroding out of the surface near the
southern limit of Locus 3 (Fig. 4.12). Both of these discoveries suggest that there are buried stratified contexts
of late Pleistocene or early Holocene age.
Locus 15, to the southwest of Locus 3, encompasses
about 2,800 square meters. This locus includes the northwestern portion of the relatively flat alluvial remnant, as
well as a segment of the erosional gullies that are oriented to the west (Fig. 4.13). A concentration of bifaces
was observed eroding from a small arroyo at this locus;
the bifaces appear to have originated in a buried soil.
A hand trench, designated Trench No. 6, was excavated
in the area where they bifaces were found. Four strata
were recognized in Trench No. 6. Stratum 0 was the
oldest, and probably represents the Pleistocene surface,
whichhas been eroded away and is missing from most
of the trench profile. Stratum 1 represents a clay-sand
deposit of about 70 cm wide that was dated to 5180 ± 45
B.P. (AA59689-13269). Stratum 1 appears to represent a
cienega or wet period. At the 2–3 contact about 60 cm
below the surface, a linear group of rocks was observed.
Various artifacts were lying on this apparently artificial
arrangement of rocks, and this prompted a decision to
'JHVSF Bifaces from Locus 3 at El Bajío.
extend the excavation in order to follow the possible
occupation surface. An area measuring 4 m x 3 m, designated Extension 2, was opened to the north of the
trench (Fig. 4.14). Unfortunately, the rock cap proved to
be irregular (Fig. 4.15), although it is unquestionably an
Archaic occupation surface with artifacts that included
a San Pedro type projectile point and a hearth with charcoal that was dated at 2225 ± 35 B.P. (AA59681-13270).
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 47
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 15 at El Bajío.
'JHVSF Trench 6 and Extension 2, Locus 15, at El Bajío.
48 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Profile of Trench 6, Locus 15, at El Bajío.
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 4 at El Bajío.
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 49
Locus 4 is comprised by gullies located south of Loci 3
and 15 (Fig. 4.16). These gully channels are variously oriented north-south and east-west. This locus comprises
12,000 square meters at elevations ranging from 872 to
875 m above sea level. There are many more diagnostic Clovis artifacts around the bajadas than in the less
eroded terrain above, prompting us to think that it was
likely that the Clovis artifacts originate in the old, welldeveloped, red soil that appears to represent the buried
stratigraphic unit observed beneath the surface deposits
at Locus 3. Twenty diagnostic Clovis artifacts were collected at Locus 4, including a basal fragment of a Clovis
point, fluted on both sides; a distal fragment of a point
of a size and raw material type indicating it is probably a
Clovis point; eight bifaces, one of which displays a flute;
three prismatic blades; an end scraper on a blade; and
a conical Clovis core. Two trenches were excavated to
search for archaeological contexts and samples for dating. Trench No. 1 was 10 meters long (Fig. 4.17), and
Trench No. 5 was 7 meters long (Fig. 4.18). We also excavated two shallow horno features but these did not yield
samples suitable for dating.
Locus 5 is situated to the south of Locus 15 at an elevation of 876 meters on semi-flat terrain at the crest of the
remnant deposits. Locus 15 encompasses an area of 7,500
m2 (Fig. 4.19). There is a well-developed red soil at this
location, thought to be of Pleistocene age. This red soil
is closer to the present surface than it is at Locus 3. The
artifacts at Locus 5 appear to be eroding from the upper
contact surface of the possible Pleistocene age surface.
Locus 5 contains the highest density of archaeological
materials found at El Bajío. The diagnostic Clovis artifacts recovered at this locus include three blades, two
bifaces, two unifacial tools, and a flake with a prepared
'JHVSF East profile of Trench 1, Locus 4, at El Bajío.
'JHVSF South profile of Trench 5, Locus 4, at El Bajío.
50 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 5 at El Bajío.
platform. Twenty-four fire-cracked-rock features were
documented, along with an apparent knapping station
consisting of blades, debitage, and other artifacts. A
single fire-cracked rock feature, designated Horno No.
50 (Fig. 4.20) was excavated; charcoal from the feature
was dated at 1260 ± 35 B.P. (A-15396).
In the southeast section of Locus 5, there was a concentration of archaeological materials within a 4-m by
3-m area. There were approximately 250 to 300 artifacts
here, including blades, scrapers, large bifaces, and large
cores that were brought from the source at Cerro de
la Vuelta. A 3-m by 4-m grid composed of 1-m by 1-m
square units was established, and the artifacts collected
by quadrant (Fig. 4.21). Each unit was subsequently
excavated in 10-cm levels to a depth of 30 cm but no
'JHVSF Horno 50, Locus 1, at El Bajío.
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 51
'JHVSF Plan view of Feature 1, Locus 5, at El Bajío.
subsurface artifacts were recovered. It appears that this
locus had recently eroded to the surface, and it is likely
that it had been previously exposed during one or more
erosional events and thus lacked contextual integrity.
The enamel of a proboscidean tooth was found between
Locus 5 and Locus 6 (Fig. 4.22). A 1-m by1-m unit was
excavated to investigate whether there were additional
remains of the mastodon but we determined that this
element had been redeposited. However, these fossils
indicate that there might be more Pleistocene animals
buried at the site.
Locus 6 is situated to the west of the Cerro Rojo,
encompassing 6,600 square meters (Fig. 4.23). Here the
red soil is exposed and forms most of the surface. Due to
'JHVSF Highly eroded Proboscidian molar
between Locus 5 and Locus 6 at El Bajío.
52 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Red chert end
scraper from El Bajío.
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 6 at El Bajío.
weathering, the red soil is more intense than in other parts
of the site, and pebbles of calcium carbonate are present.
Locus 6 contains a dense concentration of diagnostic
Clovis artifacts and flakes, as well as a large quantity of
other lithic artifacts made with nonlocal, high quality
raw materials. There are two areas containing cores and
debitage where the qualities of raw material were likely
tested by the occupants of the site. We collected various
flakes of nonlocal cherts and obsidian at this location.
Diagnostic Clovis artifacts recovered from this locale
include five blades, a conical core, a side scraper, an end
scraper, and a large biface. The end scraper was made on
a red chert blade (Fig. 4.24). It is similar to one recovered from the Murray Springs site in Arizona (C. Vance
Haynes, Jr., personal communication 2003).
Trenches No. 7 and No. 8 were excavated within Locus
6. Trench No. 8 was excavated to investigate a concentration of bifaces and blades that appeared to have recently
eroded to the surface from a buried deposit. The trench
was placed in a low-lying portion of Locus 6. Three strata
were observed (Fig. 4.25). Flakes were found down to
the contact with Stratum B1, which is the base of the
channel that cut through unit A1. A radiocarbon age of
3560 ± 40 B.P. was obtained from an ash stain with associated flakes within the gravelly sand well-consolidated
channel.
In sum, the fieldwork carried out among Loci 3, 4, 6,
and 15 demonstrated these areas of El Bajío have the highest quantity of artifacts affiliated with Clovis. Preliminary
geoarchaeological investigations indicate that the Clovis
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 53
'JHVSF Profiles of Trench 8, Locus 6, at El Bajío.
artifacts are eroding from a red paleosol believed to be of
Pleistocene age, and perhaps associated with the glacial
maximum. It is possible that the red soil was the Clovis
surface that was buried in few zones, and now completely
eroded in most of El Bajío, including Trenches Nos. 1, 5,
and 6 and in Loci 4 and 5.
Cerro Rojo, a small red hill, lies to the east of this
group of loci. A great quantity of quartz nodules used
in tool production can be found on Cerro Rojo. The
hill is also a source of red ochre, an important pigment
for Paleoindian people. Julio Montané collected a large
quantity of end scrapers and side scrapers with remnants of red ochre pigment during his investigations in
the vicinity of Cerro Rojo. Apparently, the hill was an
important place for Pleistocene people (Julio Montané,
personal communication 2003).
Locus 7
Locus 7 is situated on the pediment, approximately
600 m east of Locus 4. This locus comprises approximately 31,200 square meters within a zone that is heavily dissected by small arroyos (Fig. 4.26). Although the
artifact density at Locus 7 is much lower than previously
reported, the majority of the artifacts observed on the
surface have a Paleoindian affiliation, and the generally
excellent state of preservation suggests a recent exposure. Among the artifacts collected are 12 blades, a conical core, core tablets, and two finely-made end scrapers
produced using blades. Trench 10 was excavated here in
order to find buried archaeological features.
Trench No. 10 was placed in a dense scatter of Paleoindian surface artifacts consisting predominantly of
blades. The artifacts appear to have been exposed to the
surface recently, with no evidence of redeposition, and
they are in a generally excellent state of preservation. A
handful of flakes were recovered within the first 20 cm
of subsurface sediments. The trench presents at least
six different strata created by alluvial and low-energy
depositional processes (Fig. 4.27). Stratum 1, the basal
unit, is a silty-sand with calcium carbonate. Stratum 2 is
a gray silty-clay matrix that directly overlies Unit 1, and
which represents low-energy fluvial deposits, perhaps a
pond deposit. Locus 7 is an ideal location to seek buried
Paleoindian deposits in the future.
54 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Sketch Map of Locus 7 at El Bajío.
'JHVSF Profile of Trench 10, Locus 7, at El Bajío.
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 55
'JHVSF Clovis preform collected at Locus 8 at El Bajío.
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 8 at El Bajío.
Locus 8
Locus 8 is situated 300 m south of Locus 7. Locus 8 comprises an area of 17,000 square meters on top of a crest
or mesa that is oriented northeast-southwest (Fig. 4.28).
It lies to the north of one of the largest arroyo channels
at El Bajío. This locus contains a scatter of artifacts and
approximately 17 fire-cracked rock features. Many of the
fire-cracked rock features are disarticulated but some
remain in an excellent state of preservation. Several of
the features appear to be surface hearths rather than
subterranean roasting features (hornos). The underlying alluvium appears red in color and contains calcium
carbonate; it does not seem to be a late Holocene deposit.
The Archaic and Early Agriculture period, represented
by San Pedro projectile points, reflects the predominant
cultural affiliation at this locus. However, a few Paleoindian artifacts, including a distal fragment of a Clovis
preform (Fig. 4.29), an end scraper, and a square-based
biface were recovered at Locus 8. No test trenching was
performed, but three horno features were excavated.
Locus 10
Locus 10 comprises 30,000 square meters on the rocky
terrace of a low hill adjacent to Cerro de la Vuelta. The
56 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 10 at El Bajío.
locus is situated 400 m north of Locus 20, the vitrified
basalt quarry. Locus 10 is the closest unit to Cerro de
la Vuelta. Although there were various artifact concentrations that could possibly represent features, detailed
inspection revealed the absence of any buried contexts.
The surface artifact concentrations at Locus 10 proved
to be due to cattle disturbance, and the artifacts were
heavily damaged by trampling. However, diagnostic Clovis artifacts were collected at Locus 10 and, in general,
a light but consistent scatter of surface artifacts extends
between this locus and the road at Locus 21 (Fig. 4.30).
Two Clovis preforms, two bifaces displaying characteristic Clovis technology, a fragment of a fluted biface (heavily damaged by cattle trampling) that could be a Clovis
point fragment, four end scrapers (Fig. 4.31), six blades,
and a core were collected at Locus 10. This area appears
to have few sedimentary deposits. Julio Montané and the
'JHVSF End scrapers from Locus 10 at El Bajío.
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 57
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 11 at El Bajío.
McIntyre’s expended much time and energy at Locus 10
during their respective investigations (Julio Montané,
personal communication, 2002).
Locus 11
Locus 11 comprises an area of 710,500 square meters of a
low terrace on the hill (Fig. 4.32). It is located about 200
m north of Locus 10. In contrast with Locus 10, Locus 11
presents buried deposits, and there are six horno features
visible on the surface. Some of the hornos contain rocks
with patina, and could possibly be of some antiquity.
Locus 11 is dissected by numerous arroyos where
artifacts are exposed. No diagnostic Clovis artifacts
were collected, although several bifacial thinning flakes
and fragments of bifaces with patina may have a Clovis
affiliation. A well-developed stratum composed of claysilt dark brown may be a terminal Pleistocene or early
Holocene deposit that marks a brief period of intense
cold and humidity. A black-mat layer was observed in
the wall profile of an arroyo parallel to the road that
passes in a north-south direction through the locus.
Trenches Nos. 2, 3, and 4 were profiled in the arroyo
close to the dirt road. Three strata were observed in these
profiles (Figs. 4.33, 4.34, and 4.35). Stratum 2 is a strong
and well-developed soil composed by clay and sand. Two
radiocarbon dates were obtained from Stratum 2, and
58 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Generalized profile Trench 2.
'JHVSF East Profile of trench 2.
'JHVSF Generalized profile trench 4.
'JHVSF Horno 102 in locus 11,
C14 date (A-15395 = 315 ± 40).
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 59
'JHVSF Lithic workshop at Locus 12 at El Bajío.
these confirm that a cienega formed during the middle
Holocene. Soil residue of Stratum 2 in Trench No. 2 was
radiocarbon dated at 5390 ± 120 B.P. (A-13267). Soil residue from Stratum 2 in Trench No. 4 was dated at 4135
± 95 B.P. (A-13268). One horno feature was excavated at
Locus 11 (Fig. 4.36). The horno has a heavy patina, and
appears to be old. However, a 14C sample from the roasting pit dated to 315 ± 40 B.P (A-15395).
Locus 12
Locus 12, located in the northwestern sector of El Bajío,
is a small, irregularly shaped depression approximately
300 m northwest of Locus 1 (Fig. 4.37). Locus 12 consists
of a dense concentration of 638 artifacts within a 5-m by
3-m area. Artifacts collected from the surface of this locus
include three fragments of square-based lanceolate bifaces,
tools, numerous biface thinning flakes, and debitage, All
of these artifacts were manufactured using vitrified basalt
from Cerro de la Vuelta. Locus 12 was designated as a lithic
workshop. The lanceolate bifaces, displaying overshot
flaking, may or may not reflect a Clovis technology.
In order to conduct a controlled collection of the
surface artifacts and excavate the lithic workshop, a 5-m
by 3-m grid was established and divided into 50-cm by
50-cm units. All surface artifacts were collected and their
point proveniences recorded. Each 50-cm by 50-cm unit
60 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Square-based bifaces
Locus 12 workshop at El Bajío.
'JHVSF Circular scraper, grooved polished sphere,
irregular bifaces and a graver from Locus 12 at El Bajío.
was further subdivided into NE, SE, NW, and SW quadrants, producing 25-cm by 25-cm provenience units.
The lithic workshop was excavated to a depth of 22 cm.
Thousands of artifacts were recovered, including biface
thinning flakes and 12 square-based projectile point
preforms that were broken during their manufacture.
Three of the bifaces excavated at Locus 12 could be refitted (Fig.4.38). Although we have not counted the debitage flakes, we estimate that more than 4,000 artifacts
were recovered during the excavation of Locus 12. We
were unable to excavate this feature in its entirety during
the 2003 field season, and an unknown number of artifacts still remain in the lithic workshop. Other artifacts
recovered during the excavation include a pebble with an
incised groove, a circular scraper, and three fragments of
irregular bifaces (Fig. 4.39). Although the technique used
to produce the triangular lanceolate bifaces, employing
asymmetrical overshot flaking and basal thinning with
several small flutes, is suggestive of Clovis technology,
these artifacts cannot be positively identified as Clovis.
However, at the Blackwater Draw Clovis Site, Warnica
(1966:349) reported a similar point. Some of the bifaces
at Locus 12 appear to represent finished tools because
they display lateral and basal grinding.
The knapping feature with triangular points appears
to be resting on a well-developed red paleosol that was
covered by much less compacted brownish-red silt. Unit
K-5 was excavated below the contact with the red soil,
confirming that the artifacts are restricted to the deposits
between the surface and the contact with the red soil.
A hearth containing charcoal was encountered at the
northern edge of the excavation but half of this feature
could be excavated because it was found on the last day
of the field season (Fig. 4.40). A charcoal sample produced a radiocarbon age of 1980 ± 40 B.P. (B-188544).
The triangular biface reduction technique may be related
to the Paleoindian lithic technology, so it is possible that
the hearth postdates the workshop feature. Points from
the Late Archaic or Early Agriculture period, such as San
Pedro points, have been collected at El Bajío.
Locus 19
Locus 19 is situated on a small hill in the southwestern
sector of the site. A vein of fine-grained basalt is exposed
at the surface on the northernmost part of the hill. There
are indications at Locus 19 that the inhabitants of El Bajío
extracted basalt to manufacture tools. The entire upper
portion of the hill is covered with artifacts. Locus 19
encompasses an area of 3,200 square meters (Fig. 4.41).
Artifacts include biface fragments, thinning flakes, tested
cobbles, hammerstones, and tool sharpening scars in the
bedrock. In addition to the fine-grained basalt, there are
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 61
'JHVSF Hearth at Locus 12 at El Bajío.
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 19 at El Bajío.
62 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Sketch map of Locus 22 at El Bajío.
small (2- to 3-cm diameter) nodules of obsidian that may
have been used for tool making. Although there were
no Paleoindian diagnostic tools recovered in Locus 19,
there were some Clovis artifacts made from obsidian and
fine basalt.
Locus 22
Locus 22 is a dense artifact scatter extending over a 6-m
by 8-m area (Fig. 4.42). It is located 100 m south of Locus
12, in the same small depression. The lithic artifacts at
Locus 22 appear to represent a knapping station or lithic
reduction workshop similar to that at Locus 12. Artifacts
include a conical core, three fragments of square-based
bifaces, and over 200 biface thinning flakes. Although
this component is close to the present surface, it appears
to be affiliated with the Paleoindian period. We did not
collect artifacts at Locus 22 because we are contemplating further investigation of the locus.
El Bajío Site Summary and Conclusions
of the Investigations
There is no doubt that El Bajío is one of the most important Clovis localites in Sonora. The vitrified basalt quarry
at El Bajío stimulated the gathering of family groups,
and provided an important resource for Paleoindian and
Archaic groups in Sonora. El Bajío is the only extensive
large quarry of fine stones for manufacturing tools known
in Sonora. Although we did not find buried Clovis deposits during our work at El Bajío, we are confident that more
extensive excavations at the site will reveal buried Paleoindian deposits. We think this because there are many
intact artifacts that have not been subjected to weathering
and we found a proboscidean tooth at Locus 3.
Although the vitrified basalt exposure is unquestionably the single most important resource at El Bajío, quartz
crystals, red ochre, and obsidian were also important.
The existence of well-defined loci at El Bajío indicates
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 63
this complex site was important in Paleoindian patterns of residential mobility and land use. Although no
springs or spring deposits were documented at the site,
the existence of black clay deposits indicates that water
accumulated in a low sink near the group of loci in the
vicinity of Cerro Rojo. This area may have been fed by
runoff from the pediment and small sierrita that includes
Cerro de la Vuelta. Loci 3 to 6 and 15 in the middle of
the site, together with Locus 7 west and north of Cerro
Rojo, are the most important areas at the site. In addition
to having a high potential for buried contexts, these loci
suggest that this area was used repeatedly on an annual
basis over a long span of time during the Paleoindian
and subsequent periods. We think it is significant that El
Bajío is located in a transitional zone between two different landscapes: the intervening basins of Sonora and the
broad alluvial plain of the Rio Zanjon that remains open
terrain from El Bajío to the coast.
During the 2003 season a field strategy was implemented to collect all the diagnostic artifacts found during a systematic survey of El Bajío, including sherds,
Archaic points, Paleoindian points, and other Paleoindian artifacts. To obtain a representative sample of
artifacts, collections were also made at archaeological
features and controlled surface collections were made
in other areas of the site. The collections from El Bajío,
housed at the Centro INAH Sonora, include 15,000 lithics, including flakes and debris that are impossible to
affiliate to a particular period. The collection from the
Paleoindian period includes 333 diagnostic tools than
can be correlated to diagnostic types at Clovis sites in
the United States, including collections from the Pavo
Real, Gault, and Adams sites. It is significant that we did
not find any late Paleoindian projectile points at El Bajío,
such as Folsom, Dalton, or Golondrina points. The lack
of late Paleoindian points suggests that the polyhedral
cores, blades, end scrapers, and other tools at El Bajío
are probably affiliated with the Clovis occupation of the
site. During the 2003 season, 150 diagnostic Paleoindian
artifacts were collected even though extensive collections had been made at site over the preceding 30 years.
This suggests that buried archaeological features remain
intact and that recent erosion is exposing artifacts. The
Archaic period at El Bajío is represented by 20 points
collected in 2003, the majority of which are associated
with the Elko, San Pedro, and Pinto-San Jose types.
El Bajío is a complex site. Archaic components are
present at the site, and the most conspicuous features
are roasting pits that apparently postdate the Clovis
occupation. Three radiocarbon dates obtained from El
Bajío roasting pits establish that these features are dated
to the late prehistoric and protohistoric periods. Nonetheless, at Ventana Cave an horno dating to about 8700
B.P was associated with fire-cracked rocks and informal
ground stone (Huckell and Haynes 2003), and at the
Wilson-Leonard Site IPSOPT were dated to 9300 B.P., the
earliest known hornos in Texas (Bousman and others
2002:988). It may be that some of the hornos at El Bajío
date to the Paleoindian period.
El Bajío has been severely eroded, with some limited
deposition. Erosional and depositional segments are
distributed in a patchwork manner across the site. The
presence of proboscidean tooth enamel, buried artifacts, and features indicates the existence of areas where
buried Clovis contexts may be found, and supports the
need for further systematic investigation at the site.
Although we learned much during our work at El Bajío,
our research unfortunately remains inconclusive. In part
this is because we didn’t have a good understanding of
the distribution of terminal Pleistocene deposits at the
site until the end of our single season of fieldwork. With
the knowledge gained from additional radiocarbon dates
obtained after our fieldwork, we think returning to the
loci likely to contain Paleoindian material to search for
buried contexts will be productive. Investigation of this
significant Clovis site should continue.
SON O:3:1
SON O:3:1 is located on both sides of Highway 16 (La
Colorada-Sahuaripa), approximately 10 km northeast
of the mining town of La Colorada. The site is situated
in the Río Mátape drainage basin between the Sierra de
la Colorada and another mountain range. SON O:3:1 is
situated on open, rolling terrain where numerous eastwest trending arroyos discharge into the Río Mátape, a
perennial drainage with a substantial subsurface flow.
Although water may not be evident in the arroyo bed
of Río Mátape, it can be easily obtained by shallow digging. At the historic Rancho El Aígame, a few kilometers
east of SON O:3:1 near the Río Mátape, water is obtained
from shallow wells less than 6 m deep.
SON O:3:1 extends over an eroded zone between two
tributary arroyos at an elevation of 450 m above sea level.
Río Mátape is in the Basin and Range physiographic
province, with a Sonoran Plains Grasslands biotic community. The annual precipitation in this area is 400 mm,
which supports grasses and perennial shrubs. The most
64 r $IBQUFS
prevalent grass species are #PVUFMPVBCPUISPDLJJ "SJTUJEBsp., and 1BOJDVNPCUVTVN, which grow alongside
shrubby plants like ragweed ("NCSPTJB sp.), purslane
(1PSUVMBDB sp.), and mesquite (1SPTPQJT WFMVUJOB). The
grasslands also contain a few cacti (Brown 1994:137).
Excessive exploitation of aquifers through groundwater
pumping has diminished the available moisture in the
subtropical grassland mosaics of the region, provoking
their gradual transformation to Sonoran desert scrub.
Water has existed in the basin of the Río Mátape for a
long time, and there are abundant subterranean aquifers
where water from the sierra has accumulated.
Javier Bustamante, an engineer who specialized in
mining of graphite, discovered the site in 1971. With
the participation of Manuel Robles, Javier Bustamante
began to collect artifacts from the site, and he continued to do so for the next 20 years. Unfortunately, Javier
Bustamante died in the winter of 2005, and his artifact
collection remains in his family’s hands. His collection
includes two mammoth molars (Fig. 4.43), three Clovis
points, several bifaces, approximately 40 end scrapers,
one modified blade, and at least 100 biface thinning flakes
made of quartzite, basalt and different types of chert that
he found eroding from an erosional profile. Most of the
lithic material was concentrated in a few areas, but not
in proximity to the teeth.
I visited the site with Javier Bustamante in March 2005
and determined that the majority of Bustamante´s collection was recovered from one small, well-defined and
heavily eroded area. During the 2005 visit, we found an
end scraper and a fluted Clovis point base in that area.
SON O:3:1 was systematically investigated because the
site has an unquestionable Clovis component, the artifacts in the Bustamante collection represent a wide range
of activities suggestive of a Clovis encampment, and the
minimal fossilization evident on the well-preserved
mammoth molars suggests the presence of late Pleistocene contexts.
'JHVSF Mammoth molars collected
by Javier Bustamante at SON O:3:1.
The site encompasses an area 2.5 km north-south by
1.5 km east-west. We identified 28 loci, demonstrating
that SON O:3:1 is a complex site that was occupied for
a long period of time (Table 4.3). Ten loci had an exclusive Paleoindian affiliation, six yielded both Paleoindian
and Archaic artifacts, nine produced only Archaic diagnostic artifacts, three appeared affiliated with the Early
Agriculture period, and one contained ceramic artifacts.
Radiocarbon samples from Loci 2, 3, and 4 yielded Early
Agricultural period dates (Table 4.4). It was decided to
conduct further investigations in four localities where
there were possible buried Paleoindian deposits.
Table 4.3. Cultural Affiliations of the Loci
Identified at SON O:3:1
Cultural Affiliation
Locus Number
Total
Paleoindian
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 15, 28, 29
Paleoindian/Archaic
7, 14, 16, 17, 23, 24
6
Archaic
5, 8, 9, 13, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26
9
Early Agricultural
10, 18, 19
3
Ceramic
27
1
TOTAL
10
29
Table 4.4. Radiocarbon Dates from SON O:3:1
Sample no.
Locus
Excavation Unit
14
C Date (B.P.)
Material Dated
Stratigraphic Unit
AA66509
3
Pozo 5
4009 ± 42
Charcoal
Cienega deposit
AA66497
4
Profile 1
4864 ± 74
Soil residue
Upper mud
AA66498
4
Profile 1
3558 ± 46
Soil residue
Lower mud
AA66499
2
Arroyo profile
4951 ± 55
Soil residue
Upper mud
AA66500
2
Arroyo profile
4843 ± 52
Soil residue
Lower mud
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 65
'JHVSF Locus 1 features at SON O:3:1.
Locus 1 is located in the north-central area of the site.
We investigated this area because there were 15 large
fragments of bifaces on the surface that appeared to have
been made using a Paleoindian lithic technology. Three
of these bifaces showed possible channel flake removal
from the base. Associated with these bifaces, were 300
lithic artifacts that included hundreds of biface thinning
flakes, other flakes, and hammerstones in a 100-m by
100-m area. Two areas were defined as possible toolmaking features (Fig. 4.44).
Feature 1 is located in a low-lying area in the southwest corner of Locus 1. There, 258 lithic artifacts were
collected, including one complete biface and 11 fragments of bifaces, many with clear evidence of basal thinning (Table 4.5). Six of the bifaces were made using the
same relatively fine red quartzite (Fig. 4.45), and one was
made using high quality chert (Fig. 4.46). Hammers and
abraders made from quartz crystal were also recovered
(Fig. 4.47), together with hundreds of flakes and biface
thinning flakes of the same raw material. The appearance
66 r $IBQUFS
Table 4.5. Lithic Classes in Locus 1, Feature 1
Material Type
Flakes and
Debitage
Biface
Red quarzite
154
6
Basalt
60
4
Agate
3
1
Chert
7
1
Obsidian
3
Quartz crystal
7
Rhyolite
1
TOTAL
235
Core Tool
1
Archaic
Point
Uniface
Hammer and
Abrader
Total
2
162
2
67
1
5
8
3
4
1
12
2
11
2
4
1
4
258
'JHVSF Red quartzite biface from
Locus 1, Feature 2, at SON O:3:1.
'JHVSF Quartzite abrader
from Locus 1 at SON O:3:1.
'JHVSF Chert biface from
Locus 1, Feature 2, at SON O:3:1.
of surface bifaces and flakes made using the same materials suggests that the feature was recently exposed on the
surface. This indicates there is a possibility of finding a
buried Paleoindian context at this location. No dateable
materials were found in this deposit.
Locus 2, located in the northern portion of the site,
encompasses a moderate scatter of artifacts where three
large Archaic basalt bifaces were collected (Fig. 4.48).
Ten obsidian unifacial artifacts were observed, and three
tapering stem points from the early Holocene period
were also collected at this locus. Test pits were excavated in the areas presenting the highest concentrations
of artifacts, exposing sediments consisting of a recent
loose alluvium.
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 67
'JHVSF Archaic bifaces
from Locus 2 at SON O:3:1.
'JHVSF Profile of the arroyo
adjacent to Locus 2 at SON O:3:1.
An important part of our investigations at SON
O:3:1 was to find intact stratigraphy that could be profiled for use in determining the geochronology of the
site (Fig. 4.49). In a deep arroyo adjacent to Locality 2,
we found a dark clay organic mud horizon more than
a meter below the surface from which we obtained soil
samples for radiocarbon dating. The lower mud gave a
radiocarbon age of 4843 ± 42 B.P. (AA66500) and the
upper mud an age of 4951 ± 55 B.P. (AA66499). The date
obtained from the arroyo profile indicates that Locus 2
is a middle-to-late Archaic component that could contain intact archaeological features. Further investigation
of this feature will be significant in understanding the
Archaic period, which is poorly known in Sonora.
Locus 3, referred to by Bustamante as the KM site,
includes the 70-m by 70-m area where Bustamante
obtained the majority of his collection (Javier Bustamante, personal communication 2005). Three Paleoindian bifaces (Figs. 4.50 and 4.51); aproximately 40 end
scrapers, many of them spurred and manufactured on
blades (Fig. 4.52); and hundreds of flakes were recovered
at Locus 3. During our first visit to the site, we found
a Clovis point base that was fluted on both faces (Fig.
4.53). Later in the season, we found two end scrapers. A
systematic survey of the entire area was conducted, and
a trench (Unit 4) and a test pit (Unit 5) were excavated
by hand. All the excavated deposits were screened using
a 5-mm mesh. Trench 4 had a red paleosol (Bk horizon)
that was heavily reworked into the more recent Holocene alluvial sediments. Unfortunately, no artifacts were
found in the excavation.
'JHVSF Clovis preforms collected
by Bustamante at Locus 3 at SON O:3:1.
68 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Red quartz lanceolate
point collected by Bustamante at
Locus 3 at SON O:3:1.
'JHVSF Basalt Clovis base
found at Locus 3 at SON O:3:1.
'JHVSF End scrapers collected by Bustamante at Locus 3 at SON O:3:1.
Although no buried archaeological features of Paleoindian age were found at this locality, excavation of Unit 5
revealed a cienega-like stratum of dark, well-developed
soil composed of clay and sand (Fig. 4.54). This stratum
was almost 80 cm thick. Charcoal recovered from the
bottom of the dark stratum yielded a radiocarbon date
of 4009 ± 42 B.P. (AA66509). The pollen profile obtained
from Unit 5 was analyzed by Susana Xelhuantzi from
the Archaeobotanical Laboratory of the Subdirección
de Laboratorios, INAH. The pollen concentration in the
samples was very low, and the sample was full of silica.
However, the pollen samples from the cienega deposit
contained fungi, algae, mosses, and ferns, which are consistent with a wet environment (Xelhuantzi 2008). At the
bottom of the cienega soil, about 70 cm below the surface, a maize phytolith was found that is probably 4000
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 69
'JHVSF Test Pit 5 at SON O:3:1, showing
location of pollen profile and 14C sample.
years old. Ash, walnuts and alder pollen were observed in
the samples, but none of these species are present today
at the locality (Xelhuantzi 2008).
Locus 4 is situated along a drainage at the south end
of SON O:3:1. The fine silt with carbonates at this locus
resembles cienega deposits. At Locus 4, we recovered
two fragments of an ultra-thin biface manufactured
using a Paleoindian technology, along with some bison
bones. Bustamante told us that he collected mammoth
molars from this general area. Here, the sediments were
profiled, and soil from the clayey cienega-like deposit
was radiocarbon dated to 4,000 years ago (Fig. 4.55).
Summary of Investigations at SON O:3:1
In sum, SON O:3:1 is a multicomponent site with a long
record of human occupation that started during Paleoindian times and extended throughout the Archaic and
Early Agriculture periods. It is possible that there are
some buried Pleistocene deposits left in Locus 1 and 3,
where Bustamante made his Clovis collection. It is also
'JHVSF Profile of cienega-like
deposit at Locus 4 at SON O:3:1.
possible that other loci at the site contain buried deposits, but in the absence of test excavations this could not
be determined. In the four stratigraphic profiles of the
site that we documented, a dark brown horizon—possibly an A horizon—was observed and dated to middle
Holocene times, between 5000 to 4000 B.P. The maize
phytolith identified at Test Pit No. 5 in Locus 3 is associated with this period of high humidity.
At Loci 1 and 3, the presence of Clovis points, bifaces,
end scrapers, blades, and bifacial thining flakes made on
fine raw materials appear to represent one or more Clovis
encampments. The red paleosol from the Pleistocene era
probably formed the surface on which the Clovis people
lived. The water table is high at SON O:3:1. At the nearby
Aigame Ranch, a well is only 6 m deep. In the past, it is
possible that surface water was available at SON O:3:1
several times during the year. This would have made
SON O:3:1 important for the survival of animals and
humans. The Clovis people at this site used locally available quartzite, basalt, and siltstone to make tools. One
70 r $IBQUFS
biface and many end scrapers in the Bustamante collection were made using a diversity of fine cherts. Twelve
end scrapers in the Bustamante collection were manufactured on blades; however, no conical, tablet, or wedgeshaped blade cores have been found at the site. Although
only one Clovis end scraper from the Bustamante collection was made from obsidian, this material was used to
produce many of the Archaic projectile points at SON
O:3:1. We found Apache tears (obsidian nodules) in the
basalt hills near the site. In one of the arroyos that cut
through the site we found a source of ochre or hematite
in a 30-cm wide vein. We know that red pigments were
important to Clovis and Archaic peoples, although we
did not find any Clovis features in this area of the site.
There is no doubt that SON O:3:1 was a valuable location
for the hunting and gathering groups of the Paleoindian
and Archaic periods. Future research at this site will yield
important information for understanding the cultural
development of prehistoric Sonora.
EL GRAMMAL (SON N:11:20-21)
El Gramal encompasses a large site complex on the Hermosillo Plains, 60 km southwest of Hermosillo. The site
lies about 18 km from the modern-day shoreline of the
Sea of Cortez. El Gramal consists of a dense, multi-component artifact scatter covering more than 10 km2. The
artifacts are on the edge of a large playa encompassing
3 km2 (Fig. 4.56), and the scatter extends several kilometers to the north and west into extensive dune fields
(Fig. 4.57).
'JHVSF The playa at El Gramal, looking east.
El Gramal lies within the Río Sonora hydrologic basin,
at an elevation of 25 m above sea level. The vegetative
cover at the site is typical of the Central Coast subdivision of the Sonoran Desert (Turner and Brown 1994:212).
El Gramal falls within the cactus-mesquite-saltbush
vegetative community. There are six different species of
columnar cacti at the site: hecho (1BDIZDFSFVTQFDUFO
BCPSJHJOVN), cardón (1BDIZDFSFVT QSJOHMFJ), saguaro
($BSOFHJFBHJHBOUFB), senita (-PQIPDFSFVTTDIPUUJ), organ
pipe (4UFOPDFSFVTUIVSCFSJ), and sina (4UFOPDFSFVTBMBNPTFOTJT). Various saltwater and sandy-soil tolerant shrubs
also occur at El Gramal (Turner and Brown 1994:215).
Local collectors amassed a collection of 41 projectile
points and bifaces dated to the Paleoindian period from
five localities within El Gramal. Twenty-one of the points
have classic Clovis fluting and 20 are unfluted lanceolate
varieties (Gaines and others 2009a). The Paleoindian
materials are generally found on the eroded flanks of the
dunes adjacent to the playa margins. The dunes contain
at least three buried soils, and the Clovis material seems
to come from the lowest and best-developed soil that
forms a resistant ledge where it is eroded. In our research,
we rely on the provenience of the Paleoindian artifacts
established by the private collectors who collected them.
The intensive surface collection of El Gramal began in
the early 1970s and continues to the present. The Paleoindian occupation is well represented at this site, as are
the Archaic and Ancestral Seri periods.
Geoarchaeological Investigation
Geoarchaeological investigation of El Gramal was carried out in January and February of 2007. During this
period, we only found one fluted base of a probable
Paleoindian artifact on the surface. Later Archaic and
Seri occupations, however, are well represented. Our
field methods employed comprehensive bucket augering
and limited hand trenching. Radiocarbon samples were
collected and submitted to the University of Arizona
NSF AMS facility. Aeolian sand samples were analyzed
by the University of Washington Luminescence Laboratory using the multi-grain single-aliquot pulsed optically
stimulated luminescence (OSL) method.
Loci 1, 2, and 5 are located in the dunes on the western
margin of the playa. According to the collectors, a complete quartz crystal fluted point was found at Locus 1 (Fig.
4.58), as well as a chert fluted point that was resharpened
into an awl or drill. These artifacts were recovered from
a low-density lithic scatter on the side of a large dune
(Leopoldo Velez, personal communication 2007). One
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 71
'JHVSF Google Earth image of El Gramal and localities. Map
data © 2010 Google, INEGI, Digital Globe, CNES/SPOT Image.
'JHVSF Quartz crystal Clovis
point from Locus 1 at El Gramal.
trench and several auger test pits were excavated at this
locus. Local stratigraphy consists of interfingered sands
and playa muds with a sequence of three buried soil horizons to a depth of 5.5 m beneath the surface (Fig. 4.59).
We think this stratigraphy dates to the late Pleistocene
and Holocene periods.
Locus 2 yielded both fluted and unfluted lanceolate points, mostly basal fragments made from local
basalt and obsidian. Trenching at Locus 2 revealed
'JHVSF Profile of Trench 1 at El Gramal.
72 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Probable fluted biface on basalt.
dune stratigraphy with two buried soils. There were
intact, stratified archaeological remains throughout this
sequence. Artifacts from a late prehistoric Seri occupation—sherds, groundstone fragments, shell, and flaked
stone—occur within the upper deposit in a zone of
recent-to-modern soil formation. The middle buried
soil horizon contains lithic debitage and shell fragments
indicative of a preceramic Archaic horizon. The nearby
Paleoindian artifacts are thought to be associated with
the basal stratum of a well-developed, buried soil.
Loci 3 and 4 are located in an expanse of low dunes
and blowouts on the northeast margin of the playa.
According to the collectors, both loci yielded unfluted
lanceolate bifaces and projectile points. The stratigraphy in this area generally consists of shallow dune sands
overlying deposits of silts, sands, and muds to a depth of
six or more meters. Artifacts at Loci 3 and 4 are much
more diffuse than at the other three loci, and buried
remains have yet to be documented in these two areas.
A possible fluted biface fragment made using basalt
was found on the surface at Locus 5 (Fig. 4.60). Subsequent geologic coring in the immediate vicinity recovered two basalt flakes at depths of 3.5 to 3.6 m (Figs. 4.61
and 4.62). This level is estimated to be 8,000 years old.
Although we did not conduct a systematic survey of
El Gramal, we identified an obsidian source on a small
hill to the south of Locus 5. This obsidian occurs in small
2-cm to 6-cm diameter nodules (Apache tears). The concentration of obsidian nodules extends over a 600-m by
600-m area. The presence of obsidian reduction flakes
confirms the prehistoric exploitation of this raw material
source. At least five Clovis points made using obsidian
were picked up by private collectors at the site.
'JHVSF Ned Gaines and Beto Peña using an
auger to dig a test pit at Locus 5 at El Gramal.
'JHVSF Flakes found 3.5 m below surface
during testing at Locus 5 at El Gramal.
Stratigraphy and Geochronology of El Gramal
El Gramal exhibits a complex stratigraphic sequence
consisting of more than 4 m of aeolian sands, alluvial
silts and clays, and playa muds (Fig. 4.63). In one auger
test, we excavated to a depth of 7.6 m but we did not
obtain a radiocarbon sample from that unit. In general,
there are seven defined stratigraphic units. From the
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 73
'JHVSF Generalized stratigraphy of El Gramal.
bottom up, they are Unit I, II, and III sands; Unit IV
silts and clays; Unit V sands; Unit VI silts and clays; and
Unit VII sands. Our limited testing identified in situ
archaeological components in Units VI and VII. The site
preserves a nearly complete record of late Quaternary
aeolian and alluvial deposits spanning the last 25,000
years. This stratigraphic sequence exhibits alternating
periods of alluvial and aeolian deposition, punctuated by
periods of erosion, stability, and soil formation. The site
has yielded surface artifacts diagnostic of nearly every
phase of human occupation known in the Sonoran Desert over the past 12,000 years (Gaines and others 2009a).
Paleoindian occupation of El Gramal is evidenced by
the 20 fluted points and 21 unfluted lanceolate points in
a private collection, which represents more than 30 years
of constant collecting. The trampling, patina, and battering seen on the artifacts indicate that they have been
on the surface for a long period of time. In fact, many of
the artifacts were modified by Archaic people. The lack
of other diagnostic Paleoindian materials such as blades,
polyhedral cores, and end scrapers may indicate that the
playa at El Gramal was not used as a campsite. It could
be difficult, if not impossible, to find buried Paleoindian
deposits at the site. No diagnostic Paleoindian artifacts
were found during our geoarchaeological investigation.
SON J:16:8
Three Clovis points are known from SON J:16:8, and
there is a fourth, unconfirmed Clovis point reported
for the site. SON J:16:8 is a diffuse, multicomponent site
located 20 km west of Hermosillo. Two of the Clovis
points reported by Manuel Robles (1974) are currently
in the museum of the Universidad de Sonora, while the
74 r $IBQUFS
third point is in the hands of a collector in Bahia Kino
(Fig. 4.64). Robles filled out a site card with a sketch
map for SON J:16:8, and prepared a report that is on file
in the Centro INAH Sonora archives. Robles’ map and
descriptions helped us locate the highest concentration
of Paleoindian artifacts at the site.
SON J:16:8 is situated in a small basin, without evidence of recent erosion. There is no arroyo cut exposing the subsurface stratigraphy of the site (Fig. 4.65), so
auguring was used to obtain stratigraphic information.
The Paleoindian materials at SON J:16:8 apparently
occur along the margins of the basin. The augur testing
of the buried stratigraphic contexts revealed a sequence
of silt, sands, and intact clays to a depth of at least 6.5
m. The depths of the basal sediments indicate a paleotopographic basin, with the artifacts located on its
margins. Although the geoarchaeological work at SON
J:16:8 is preliminary, the site has been demonstrated to
include buried stratigraphic deposits and the site has
great potential for containing the remains of Paleoindian
occupations. The basin was filled with colluvial and alluvial sediments, but we were unable to date them using
OSL techniques because no organic material suitable for
dating was encountered.
An obsidian source was identified along the southern
edge of the site. The obsidian occurs in small nodules
ranging between 2 and 10 cm in diameter. Two of the
Clovis points collected from SON J:16:8 are made of
obsidian but we did not confirm whether they were produced using the obsidian from the source at the southern
edge of SON J:16:8.
FIN DEL MUNDO (SON J:10:2)
'JHVSF Obsidian Clovis
point from SON J:16:8.
'JHVSF Basin at SON J:16:8, looking north.
Fin del Mundo (End of the Earth) is located in a small
intermontane basin about 650 m above sea level, within a
chain of unnamed volcanic hills about 100 km northwest
of Hermosillo. The site is exposed in an eroded landscape
that drains into the Arroyo Carrizo. The valley of the
Carrizo drains the intermontane basin and flows into
the Río Bacoachi, which in turn flows to the south and
southwest into the Gulf of California.
The plant community at Fin del Mundo is represented by a combination of Arizona Upland and Lower
Colorado plant communities. The area is dominated by
ocotillo ('PVRVJFSJBTQMFOEFOT), creosote bush (-BSSFB
USJEFOUBUB), bursage ("NCSPTJBEFMUPJEFB), bush muhly
(.VIMFOCFSHJBQPSUFSJ), and several species of 0QVOUJB
associated with the Arizona Upland community. The
dominant tree is ironwood (0MOFZBUFTPUB), and at least
two different kinds of agaves are present. Northeast of the
site, there is a dense saguaro bosque ($BSOFHJFBHJHBOUFB)
and a dense stand of agaves (Turner and Brown 1994).
In 1997, during a visit to the municipal museum in
Carbó, Sonora, C. Vance Haynes and I observed an
unfossilized mammoth femur and rib. We were told that
these bones had been recovered from a ranch that was a
four-hour drive from Carbó. Although the owner of the
ranch invited us to visit his property, we had to decline
his offer due to the time and distance involved in traveling there. A decade later, the Proyecto Geoarqueología
y Tecnología Lítica de los Sitios Paleoindios de Sonora
was established, and one of the principal objectives in
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 75
the Spring 2007 field season was to visit all of the known
localities where Paleoindian remains had been reported
in Sonora. The remote ranch in the Municipio of Pitiquito, where more than 30 years earlier minimally fossilized bones of a mammoth had been found and subsequently displayed in a local municipal museum, was on
our list of places to visit.
We visited Fin del Mundo on February 5, 2007. The
site was used by Clovis groups that hunted and butchered
proboscideans, including two juvenile gomphotheres
($VWJFSPOJVT sp.) as well as other Pleistocene mammals.
The gomphotheres found at Fin del Mundo are significant because this animal was previously thought to have
become extinct in North America around 35,000 years
ago (Sanchez and others 2014).
The bones at Fin del Mundo are preserved in cienega
deposits. There is an associated Clovis camp and a
source of quartz crystal raw material located on top of
a nearby hill. Projectile points and other artifacts at Fin
del Mundo were manufactured using this raw material. Fin del Mundo is the first Pleistocene megafauna
hunting or butchering site discovered in Mexico since
1957. Importantly, Fin del Mundo is the first site that we
found in Sonora that has not been collected by amateur
archaeologists.
The Pleistocene fauna occurs in a remnant of stratified
deposits that are preserved as an “island” in an eroded
landscape (Fig. 4.66). While examining exposed profiles,
we observed a chalcedony chopper that had recently
fallen from the wall profile from the uppermost stratum
associated with the Pleistocene fauna. Shortly thereafter,
a large rhyolite Clovis-style biface was found 3 m from
the island. We also found the middle portion of a quartz
crystal biface and a complete Clovis point of white chert
8 m south of the island (Fig. 4.67).
In four field seasons of investigations at Fin del
Mundo, we determined that the complex site contains
at least 10 significant localities where Pleistocene people
engaged in multiple activities. These activities included
acquiring lithic raw materials, tool knapping, camping,
and hunting Pleistocene animals.
Locus 1
Locus 1, the most important area of Fin del Mundo,
encompasses an eroded landscape with bones and artifacts exposed in a profile (Fig. 4.68). Locus 1 covers an
area of roughly 100 m by 100 m. The erosional dissection of Fin del Mundo left the local basin fill exposed in
head cuts and on a series of erosional islands. The bone
'JHVSF View of the “Island” at Locus 1
at Fin del Mundo, looking NW.
'JHVSF Clovis point found 8 m
south Locus 1 at Fin del Mundo.
beds, artifacts, and archaeological sediments associated
with one of these islands at Locus 1 have a completely
different stratigraphy than all other exposures at the
site. Geomorphic and stratigraphic relations cannot be
fully reconstructed across the site because erosion has
removed sediments, isolating Locality 1. At Locus 1, three
strata (2 to 4, bottom to top) rest on local bedrock.
Strata 3 and 4 filled a channel less than 100 m wide, of
undetermined length, that cut into Stratum 2. Stratum 2
is up to 3 m thick, and is composed of pebbly-sandy
clay fining upward into a sandy clay. Rare proboscidean bones were recovered from the lower portion of
76 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Excavation at Locus 1 at Fin del Mundo.
Stratum 2. A likely equivalent to Stratum 2 forms most
of the exposures surrounding Locus 1, and these deposits
are at or near the surface where they are modified by soil
development. On top of the soil is a carbonate layer up to
60 cm thick. The massive character, uniform density, and
presence of both aquatic and terrestrial gastropods in the
carbonate suggest that it was formed by a seep or spring.
Stratum 3 has a pale olive color. It is composed of
unbedded, poorly sorted pebbly-sandy clay up to 1 m
thick (3A), overlain by a poorly sorted sandy clay (3B).
Stratum 3 rests unconformably on Stratum 2. Bone is
common throughout Stratum 3. The pebbly character of
some components of Stratum 3 and the appearance of the
cut-and-fill sequences indicates cyclical aggradation. The
poorly sorted character of the stratum suggests variable
discharge throughout deposition. These two conditions
and the short transport distance indicated by the pebbles
suggest deposition in spring-fed waters. The upper bone
bed that was the focus of our work is in Stratum 3, which
is buried by diatomite (Fig. 4.69).
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 77
'JHVSF Upper bone bed containing (PNQIPUIFSJVN
remains in Stratum 3, Locus 1, at Fin del Mundo.
Stratum 4 is up to 1 m thick and rests unconformably on Stratum 3. The interface between Strata 3 and
4 is essentially horizontal through most of the Locus 1
island, except for the west end of the island, where the
strata gradually rise. The base of Stratum 4 is a discontinuous layer of diatomite up to 10 cm thick. Most of the
rest of Stratum 4 is gray, silty diatomaceous earth. The
diatomite represents standing-water conditions, and the
diatomaceous earth represents more marshy conditions
with organic-matter production in a wet setting. This
sequence is similar to the Paleoindian geoarchaeology at
the Lubbock Lake and Clovis sites, as well as other localities on the Southern High Plains (Haynes 1975, 1995;
Holliday 1985, 1997). No weathering was observed in
upper Stratum 3, so we think the diatomite probably was
deposited shortly after the upper bone bed was created.
The bone, teeth, and tusk identified in Strata 3 and 4
are from late Pleistocene mammals. The teeth are from
horse (&RVVT); some bone is #JTPO. Other unidentifiable bone is from a bison-sized ungulate. Proboscidean
bones and teeth recovered from all three strata were
identified as either mastodon or gomphothere. All of
the bone at Stratum 3, interpreted as a hunting feature,
is from a gomphothere (Individual No. 2) or an unidentified proboscidean (Individual No. 1) that was the same
size as Individual No. 2 and therefore probably another
gomphothere. Archaeological material was found in and
immediately below the gomphothere bone bed. Flakes
and a unifacial tool were recovered at the stratigraphic
position of the bone, resting on Stratum 3 and buried
by the Stratum 4 diatomite. Additional flakes and four
Clovis points were recovered less than 10 cm below the
bone bed, in the upper portion of Stratum 3.
The excavations carried out at Locus 1 during four seasons revealed that a Late Pleistocene archaeological feature was preserved in situ in Stratum 3B. Semi-articulated
bones from two gomphotheres were preserved, along
with an occupational surface in association with 31 stone
and bone artifacts (Figs. 4.70 and 4.71). During the 2011
season, three Clovis points and a 3-cm flake were found
in situ within the gomphothere hunting feature, and in
'JHVSF Clovis points from Locus 1 at Fin del Mundo found in disturbed (A) and in situ (B) contexts.
78 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Seven flakes and a bone artifact found in situ at Locus 1 at Fin del Mundo.
2012 an additional Clovis point was found under the
gomphothere mandible. Two additional Paleoindian projectile points—a complete fluted point made of quartz
crystal and a complete point made from reddish brown
chert—were found near the gomphothere bones, albeit
from disturbed contexts.
The artifact inventory thus includes four in situ Clovis points (three complete and one broken), 12 in situ
flakes (fine retouched flakes and bifacial thinning flakes),
and three bone artifacts. Nine flakes were recovered in
the screen but their provenience was established within
a 50-cm by 50-cm grid unit. The Clovis points, flakes,
burned bone, and bone ornaments recovered at Locus
1 provide secure evidence of a human association with
the gomphotheres. This assemblage suggests that Clovis
people hunted the two proboscideans in this locality.
Seven Clovis points were recovered from Locus 1, including the four Clovis points found in situ within the feature, and the three Clovis points found in disturbed contexts around the “island.” A complete Clovis point (No.
63177) made using local rhyolite and measuring 9.5 cm
long, was found southwest of the Gomphothere No. 2
mandible. Teeth and bone fragments were found above
and under the Clovis point, suggesting that the point was
lost in the head and neck area of the animal. Twentyone flakes (12 flakes in situ and nine in the screen) were
recovered from the feature.
The flakes include fine retouched flakes and bifacial
thinning flakes, and these were probably produced in
the process of retouching various tools. The largest flake
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 79
Table 4.6. Radiocarbon Dates from Locus 1, Fin del Mundo
Sample
Stratum and Context
Shell
14
C Date (B.P.)
Lab Number
4, diatomaceous earth
7840 ± 70
AA81350
Organic-rich sediment
4, diatomaceous earth
8375 ± 110
A-14837
Organic-rich sediment
4, diatomaceous earth
9030 ± 75
A-14850
Organic-rich sediment
4, diatomaceous earth
9465 ± 100
A-14836
Charcoal
4, top of diatomite
9290 ± 290
AA80085
Charcoal
4, top of diatomite
9560 ± 120
AA80671
Charcoal
4, top of diatomite
9715 ± 64
AA80084
Organic-rich sediment
3, in upper bone bed featuee
11,040 ± 580
AA83272
Charcoal
3B/3A, at 12.06 mbd, associated
with a rhyolite flake
11,560 ± 140
AA100181
Charcoal (humate date)
3B/3A, at 12.10 mbd
11,800 ± 200
AA100182
measures 3.2 cm, while the smallest flake measures
0.4 cm. The flakes were found directly associated with
the bone concentrations and the adjoining area. Flake
No. 63448 was associated with a charcoal fragment that
was dated at 11,560 ± 140 B.P., calibrated at 13,339 years
ago (No. AA100181) (Table 4.6). This flake is 0.7 cm long
and was made of the same rhyolite material used to produce one of the complete Clovis points (No. 63177). A
burned bone and two bone artifacts were recovered from
the area between the two gomphotheres. Most of the
lithics were produced using local raw materials. Several
points were produced using chert that is common in the
channel gravels in the area.
Camp Areas and Lithic Sources at Fin del Mundo
Locus 1 is the most important locality at Fin del Mundo
because it is the only known part of the site with buried Clovis deposits and tools. To date, however, we have
identified 24 other loci that contribute archaeological,
geological, and paleontological information. Twelve of
these loci produced diagnostic Clovis artifacts. Loci 5, 10,
and 21 represent an upland camping area intermittently
used by Clovis people for several years. These camping
areas are found in an arc 500 to 1,000 m around Locus 1.
The extensive lithic scatters in the camping areas include
25 point preforms, 38 end scrapers, 39 large blades,
and seven blade cores and core tablets (Figs. 4.72, 4.73,
and 4.74).
'JHVSF Clovis artifacts from camping areas
surrounding Locus 1 at Fin del Mundo.
80 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Scrapers from camping areas surrounding Locus 1 at Fin del Mundo.
'JHVSF Blades from camping areas surrounding Locus 1 at Fin del Mundo.
Locus 25 is a quarry area where the people who used
Fin del Mundo acquired lithic raw material to manufacture tools (Table 4.7). Locus 5 (n=88), Locus 1 (n=10),
and Locus 10 (n=10) contained many diagnostic Clovis
artifacts. Other loci at Fin del Mundo contain flakes,
cores, unifacial artifacts, and bifacial artifacts, but we do
not know if these artifacts are of Clovis age. We excavated 20 test pits at Locus 5 and Locus 10 to search for
subsurface deposits but none were found in these areas.
Auger tests at Locus 21 indicate that buried stratified surfaces exist at this locus, and we plan to carry out more
extensive excavations in this area of Fin del Mundo.
A complete Clovis point and a medial fragment of a
Clovis point recovered from Locus 1, along with many
more tools from Locus 5, were manufactured from
quartz crystals. The complete Clovis point specimen is
perfectly transparent and is a veritable work of art, with
the flake scars creating a prism displaying the colors of
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 81
Table 4.7. Lithics from Locus 25, Fin del Mundo
Locus
Blade
Conical
Core
Core
Tablet
1
Clovis
Preform
Clovis
Point
Scraper
2
7
1
2
5
28
3
2
1
10
8
1
1
9
1
2
16
6
17
23
2
1
1
1
1
21
1
22
1
25
8
15
TOTAL
39
18
88
1
1
14
Total
10
1
6
10
End
Scraper
10
1
1
3
1
1
2
23
2
27
17
13
26
142
the rainbow (Fig. 4.75). A hill with enormous veins of
quartz situated around the lower slope, which we call
Cerro del Cuarzo, lies 5 km west of Fin del Mundo. The
quartz at Cerro del Cuarzo occurs in varying purities,
but all of it displays hair-like filaments of the mineral
rutilio, and this provides a distinctive signature for this
source (Fig. 4.75). Preliminary reconnaissance at Cerro
del Cuarzo identified at least three lithic workshop areas
with thousands of pieces of quartz debitage.
Summary
Our discovery of a gomphothere ($VWJFSPOJVT sp.) at Fin
del Mundo is the first time this Pleistocene proboscidean has been found in association with Clovis artifacts
at a hunting site in North America. This find appears to
indicate that the paleoenvironment of Sonora permitted more growth of warmer-weather plants than in other
places in the northern latitudes. We think Sonoran Clovis bands traveled long distances over a large territory
in their hunting and gathering activities, and that these
bands interacted with other family groups to carry out
communal activities that included the exchange of mates
and resources.
Until excavation of Fin del Mundo, the Clovis occupation of Sonora was not documented with absolute dates.
Radiocarbon dates at Locus 1 at Fin del Mundo derived
from charcoal above the gomphotheres and succinids, or
'JHVSF Quartz from Cerro del Cuarzo.
terrestrial gastropods, below the gomphotheres bracket
the age between ~12,130 and 9,700 14C years B.P. A radiocarbon date from charcoal recovered within the gomphothere feature provided an uncorrected date of 11,560
± 140 (AA100181). This establishes Fin del Mundo among
the earliest sites in the Clovis chronology.
The Fin del Mundo Clovis groups apparently used
local and regional raw materials of varying quality for
the majority of their tool production. One Clovis point
was manufactured from a locally available quartz crystal.
82 r $IBQUFS
Local fine basalt and rhyolite are also common materials
used in Clovis points at the site, as well as various sources
of cherts. The use of the local raw material indicates that
the Clovis groups spent some time in the area in activities that were not solely associated with proboscidean
hunting. Our investigations revealed that Fin del Mundo
is a complex site with at least 10 important archaeological loci where Pleistocene people were engaged in
multiple activities, including acquiring lithic raw materials, tool knapping, camping, and hunting Pleistocene
animals.
Fin del Mundo, with its 25,000 year-long stratigraphic
record and archaeological features make this an important site for investigating environmental change during
the late Pleistocene and early Holocene, Paleoindian subsistence and regional interaction, the role humans may
have played in the extinction of the Pleistocene fauna,
and how the first people adapted to the Sonoran region.
This site thus contributes to our knowledge of the peopling of North America and Mexico.
EL AGUAJITO (SON K:15:1)
El Aguajito is located approximately 40 km from Hermosillo. This site has been heavily gleaned by private
collectors for more than 30 years, an activity that continues today. Private collections include at least a halfdozen late Paleoindian artifacts (Gaines 2006), as well
as a fluted Clovis point base and hundreds of Archaic
projectile points (Fig. 4.76). The site setting is in a transition zone between the Plains of Sonora and the parallel
ranges and valleys of Sonora to the east. The surface has
suffered from substantial erosion and once-buried features are now exposed (Fig. 4.77). We briefly investigated
El Aguajito during the winter 2007 field season.
El Aguajito consists of a continuous distribution of
lithic artifacts and fire-cracked rock extending over an
area of 5 square kilometers. Research at the site focused
upon characterizing the stratigraphy and determining
the age of the four strata of organic dark clays that might
be related to late Pleistocene black mats. The stratigraphic
deposits consist of a possible layer of volcanic ash resting
atop calcareous clays and silts that exhibit four separate
layers of black clays (Fig. 4.78). An horno of probable
San Pedro phase affiliation rests upon the most recent of
these cienega deposits, suggesting an age no older than
the middle Holocene for this stratum. Radiocarbon dates
obtained from charcoal and the organic soils confirmed
this date, and indicate a geochronology for the middle
'JHVSF Artifacts from El Aguajito.
'JHVSF El Aguajito, looking west.
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 83
'JHVSF Fluted Points from Rancho
Bojorquez in the Velez Collection.
scrapers, and a conical blade core. Bustamante described
this site as being a raw-material procurement site. Several bifacial thinning flakes of the same white chert that
was found at Las Peñitas were observed at El Aígame. We
considered it imperative to relocate Las Peñitas but we
were not able to find the site.
RANCHO BOJORQUEZ AT KM17
'JHVSF Stratigraphy at El Aguajito,
showing location of 14C samples.
and late Holocene (ca. 4700 B.P.). Sediments at El Aguajito appear to be related to a period of increased humidity
that occurred at the onset of the Holocene (Martin 1963).
Although El Aguajito does not appear to contain
buried deposits associated with the late Pleistocene or
early Holocene, the numerous horno features, manos,
metates, and Archaic projectile point styles, along with
other lithic tools and debitage, make this site appear to
be a significant locality for investigating the development
of the Early Agriculture period in northwestern Mexico.
LAS PEÑITAS (SON O:12:1)
Las Peñitas was reported by Javier Bustamente in 1972.
The site is located 20 km southeast of the abandoned
Buenavista granite mine, accessed off of Highway 16 (La
Colorada-Sahuaripa). According to Bustamante, the site
is located on the bajada of a mountain in the Valle de las
Peñitas, situated between an arroyo and a type of desert
pavement. There, Bustamante collected a complete white
chert Clovis point with fluting on both faces, several
We learned of this site from Dr. Leopoldo Velez, one of
the Hermosillo collectors. According to Velez, five Clovis
point bases have been collected from this site, three of
which are in his possession (Fig. 4.79). The site is located
on the highway to Sahuaripa at the kilometer 17 marker,
where there is an exit to the south for Rancho Bojorquez.
The site is situated on flat terrain in the Plains of Sonora,
and has been heavily modified by agricultural activities, cattle grazing, and extensive erosion. A systematic
survey determined that this site consists of a light but
continuous distribution of lithics, ceramics, shell, manos,
and metates. Some of the artifacts may have a Paleoindian affiliation but we were unable to identify a single
diagnostic Paleoindian artifact. At least three arroyos
dissect the site. Examination of the profiles exposed in
arroyo walls revealed that the drainages were cut down
to granite bedrock, and that the deposits above the bedrock were composed of a loose, silty alluvium, probably
of recent origin, No potential late Pleistocene or early
Holocene contexts were observed.
CUEVA EL TETABEJO
Cueva El Tetabejo is located in the Sierra Libre, within
the large site of La Pintada, 60 km south of Hermosillo.
The cave at this site measures 20 m wide, 12 m deep,
84 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Clovis point from Cueva
El Tetabejo in private collection.
and 12 m high, with the mouth oriented at 200 degrees,
providing a view to the south.
Walter W. Taylor and JoséLuis Lorenzo carried out
excavations at Cueva El Tetabejo (SON O:5:6) in 1956,
with the explicit objective of locating Paleoindian contexts. Today, the remains of their grid can still be seen.
Although Taylor and Lorenzo failed to locate Clovis
contexts, one of the Hermosillo artifact collectors has a
distal fragment of a fluted Clovis point from Cueva El
Tetabejo that was made using purple chert (Fig. 4.80).
This artifact was apparently obtained from looting of
Cueva El Tetabejo that occurred in 1985. The cave appears
to contain stratified deposits and merits further study.
Recently, Manuel Gramiel, an archaeologist with the
team investigating La Pintada, discovered that the field
notes and excavated materials from Cueva El Tetabejo
are probably curated at the Smithsonian Institution, in
Washington D.C.
also contained the remains of camel, horse, and wolf. The
cranium was removed and transported to New York. In
March 1937, Gentry and Blick returned to Chinobampo
to re-examine the site. During their fieldwork, they
extracted a stratigraphic block sample of the deposits
that weighed approximately 23 kg and contained bone
and charcoal (Blick 1938). In December 1938, Gordon
Ekholm and Carl Sauer visited Chinobampo, offering
the observation that if the skull had been removed from
the deposits described by Blick, there was indeed a high
probability of a late Pleistocene context (Ekholm 1937:46).
Donald Lehmer (1949b) revisited the Chinobampo during his Sonora Project in 1949 but was unable to relocate
any Pleistocene deposits. Lehmer noted, however, that
Archaic artifacts were present in the general area.
In 2007, we were able to locate the site, which is situated on the Arroyo Chinobampo within the Rancho de
Chinobampo that the Navarro family has owned since
1957. The Navarro family was unaware of Blick and Gentry’s discovery in 1937. The Arroyo Chinobampo offers
a permanent water flow. Approximately 100 m from the
ranch houses, at the point where there is a prominent
curve in the arroyo, there is a 2-m high exposed face
composed of hard, well-developed carbonates. This
exposure extends along the arroyo for approximately
20 m. It appears likely that that these deposits represent
the remnants of a lake. Although no test excavations were
conducted to examine buried deposits, a close examination of the exposure revealed a small fragment of bone
embedded in the carbonate deposits. Based upon Blick’s
descriptions, this is unquestionably the locale described
in 1937 (Blick 1938). No diagnostic Paleoindian artifacts
were encountered, although an Archaic period site was
observed farther downstream. Future systematic investigations to determine the nature of these deposits are
planned.
CHINOBAMPO
UNDERSTANDING THE CLOVIS OCCUPATION
OF SONORA
Chinobampo is where Pleistocene-age humans were
first discovered in Sonora. This discovery was made in
January 1937 at Rancho Chinobampo, 20 km south of
Navajoa. during the “Pleistocene Mammals” project
sponsored by the Frick Laboratory of the American
Museum of Natural History. Howard Scott Gentry and
John C. Blick encountered a human cranium within a
stratified deposit at Chinobampo that was composed of
caliche and silt of probable Pleistocene age. This deposit
My research demonstrates that Sonora began to be populated in Late Pleistocene times. The Clovis occupation
is well represented in the northern half of Sonora, in
the Sonoran Desert area around the city of Hermosillo.
There, the landscape includes three principal zones.
These zones include the Llanos de Hermosillo, a more
or less flat landscape filled by alluvium that slopes gently
down to the west-southwest into the Gulf of California.
It is probable that lakes and playas existed seasonally in
"SDIBFPMPHJDBM*OWFTUJHBUJPOTPGUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF0DDVQBUJPOPG4POPSB r 85
the Llanos de Hermosillo during the late Pleistocene.
To the east of the Llanos de Hermosillo are intervening
small basins that constrain biotic communities. The third
zone is the Sierra Madre Occidental with high altitude
resources. These three landscapes provided Paleoindian
groups with a rich mosaic of diverse environments that
supported animals and plants.
Water, animals, plants, and raw materials for making
stone tools constitute indispensable resources for hunters
and gatherers, and Sonora provided all these resources
for the Paleoindian groups that made it their land. The
paleoeviromental proxy data that we have indicate that
at the end of the Pleistocene, Sonora was a good place to
live. Wet and cool summers and wet and warm winters
established the desert grasses that were grazed by herbivores, including mammoths, gomphotheres, deer, and
horses. Although the Sonoran Clovis people used local
lithic raw materials to make Clovis points and tools, the
vitrified basalt source at Cerro de la Vuelta at El Bajío
was an important resource with regional use.
Fin del Mundo, located in the Río Bacoachi basin with
a spring-fed pond, was an authentic oasis. The pond at
Fin del Mundo attracted animals, including large Pleistocene mammals. Clovis people hunted gomphotheres at
Fin del Mundo and camped around the pond. They also
exploited quartz and rhyolite outcrops in the vicinity of
the site for making tools.
El Bajío and Fin del Mundo are approximately 600 m
above sea level, matking them the highest Paleoindian
sites known in north-central Sonora. Although we do
not have an environmental reconstruction for these sites,
a pine-oak woodland with some shrubs may have existed
at the end of the Pleistocene.
SON N:11:20 and SON J:16:8 site are located in the
Llanos de Sonora near the Gulf of California, at an elevation of 25 to 50 m above sea level, At the end of the
Pleistocene, playas and lakes were present in this area,
and the environment probably was open grassland with a
few trees. The two Clovis sites known in this area appear
to be hunting localities where Clovis points were lost.
SON O:3:1 and Rancho Bojorquez are located in the
southwestern portion of the Llanos de Hermosillo where
the intervening basins begin. SON O:3.1 is located in the
Río Matape basin, 300 m above sea level, where springs
and seasonal cienegas are present. The environment
of this area at the end of the Pleistocene probably was
grassy rolling hills with oaks. SON O:3:1 is composed of
two camp areas, apparently of Clovis age.
After seven years of investigations, we are beginning
to understand the basic aspects of Paleoindian settlement patterns in Sonora. Paleoindian land use was multifaceted and included an extensive territory where the
hunters exploited elemental and important resources.
The Llanos de Hermosillo was the center of one of the
Clovis territories; Paleoindian sites there are large and
small, and there are a substantial number of isolated Clovis points as well. Paleoindian groups in the Llanos de
Hermosillo had access to an important lithic raw material quarry, permanent sources of water, access to coastal
resources, and a large territory with seasonally available
animals, plants, and water sources.
Sonora provided a rich, new territory for the Clovis
people. The region had a good climate and a diversity of
food resources that allowed Clovis groups to stay and
successfully settle the land. Radiocarbon dates from
Fin del Mundo indicate that the Clovis occupation of
Sonora is at least 600 years earlier than the Paleoindian
use of Murray Springs in southern Arizona, making Fin
del Mundo one of the earliest Paleoindian sites in North
America. The expansion and interaction of Clovis people
in Sonora has proven to be more complex than we previously thought.
CHAPTER FIVE
Clovis Lithic Technology at El Bajío
Stone Sources, Variation, and Interaction
L
ithics are the most important artifact category for
understanding the oldest human behavior (Andrefsky 2009:65). In many early sites stone tools and debitage
are the only artifacts that survive decomposition. Lithic
technological organization refers to the manner in which
people organize their lives and activities with regard to
the production and use of stone tools. In the study of
hunter-gatherer groups, lithic technological organization provides a way to investigate local forager adaptive
strategies and, at a larger scale, human land use related to
environmental, social, and historical contexts (Andrefsky 2009).
The human groups that inhabited Sonora at the end of
the Pleistocene left us very little evidence of their lifeways.
We therefore rely on their lithic technological organization to provide information about adaptive strategies.
The reduction sequence of the stone tools allows us to
observe the transformation of tools during their procurement, production, use, and maintenance (Shott 1986:34).
Although toolmakers may have had a mental template
of the type of artifact that they wanted to make, the raw
material packet size, abundance, and quality determined
the kind of tool that could be produced (Bleed 1986;
Bradbury and Franklin 2000). According to Shott (1986),
hunter-gatherers who practice high residential mobility
produce fewer but more versatile tools, and those tools
are associated with a wider range of tasks. These more
versatile tools evince heavier resharpening and curation
when compared to formal, non-versatile tool types (Shott
1986:40).
as a lanceolate-shaped point with flutes that originate
at the base and extend no more than halfway up to the
tip. Traditionally, this fluted projectile point has been the
principal—or the only—diagnostic criterion to categorize an archaeological context or an assemblage as Clovis
(Bradley and others 2010:2). The accentuation of a single
artifact form is inevitable when an isolated point is the
only find, or when it is the only artifact found in a kill
site (Bradley and others 2010; Bever and Meltzer 2007).
Since the 1980s, research on the Clovis complex has
greatly intensified. The discovery of new sites and the
refinement of dating, sourcing, excavation, and analytical techniques have led to new and emerging explanations with notable variations in Clovis assemblages
(Bradley and others 2010; Collins 1999a, 2002, 2003;
Gingerich 2007; Huckell 2007; Sanchez and Carpenter
2009; Prascuinas 2008; Smallwood 2011:3; Waters and
others 2011). Where once it was argued that Clovis—and
especially the diagnostic Clovis fluted point—was rather
homogenous from coast to coast (Haynes 1982), most
archaeologists now believe that Clovis can no longer be
viewed as a monolithic cultural phenomenon (Bever and
Meltzer 2007:65). Adopting this perspective, variation
and regionalization is expected in the Clovis archaeological context, and the idea that Clovis points are the
sole diagnostic artifact can no longer be supported.
Following Bradley and others (2010:1), artifacts from
Clovis sites commonly consist of large flaked stone tools
in the form of distinctive fluted spear points, various
types of scrapping and cutting tools, and, on rare occasions of good preservation, bone, antler, and ivory tools
(Lepper and Bonnichsen 2004). Stone tools were made
with distinct and unique technologies that were unvarying throughout the Clovis range, in spite of varied environments and landscapes (Bradley and others 2010:1).
CLOVIS TOOL KITS
The Clovis culture is recognized for its characteristic
bifacial point. Marie Wormington (1957:263) defined it
[86]
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 87
'JHVSF Raw materials in the study area. Map data from Sistema Geologico Mexicano.
The typical Clovis tool kit is represented by biface cores,
retouched biface flakes, point preforms, Clovis points,
blade cores, denticulated blades, end scrapers on blades,
and utilized blades (Bradley and others 2010:1; Huckell
2007; Waters and others 2011).
Over more than 40 years, several thousand stone tools
and pieces of debitage were collected from the surface of
El Bajío Clovis site. The site includes an extensive lithic
quarry and 10 Clovis loci representing campsites and special activity areas distributed over a 4-square-kilometer
area. Although we have been unable to find buried deposits at El Bajío, the vast and diverse collection of tools that
have been collected at the site provide an ideal collection for studying Clovis lithic technology organization.
A total of 333 stone tools from El Bajío were classified as
belonging to the typical Clovis tool kit. We were able to
make these determinations by contrasting the El Bajío
collection with recent Clovis technology studies (Bradley
and others 2010; Waters and others 2011). The presence of
patination on tools was used as an ancillary attribute to
define the Clovis artifact collection at the site.
Regionalization and dependence on local resources
appear to be a fundamental part of the cultural adaptation of the Clovis people of Sonora. Because there were
now geological sources with fine lithic materials, tools
were produced using local materials with medium-tofine textures. Many of these materials are volcanic rocks,
which are more difficult to flake than chert. An overview
of the lithic sources available for the Clovis people in
Sonora is presented next.
SONORAN RAW MATERIAL SOURCES FOR
TOOL MAKING
The regional patterns and attributes of Late Pleistocene
sites in Sonora make it clear that Clovis groups probably
do not represent a single homogeneous adaptation. Clovis groups appear to have had assorted economic strategies and varied mobility patterns related to differing
environments, resources, and social contexts. Huntergatherer mobility patterns and land use depended on the
location of essential resources. Water sources and raw
materials for tool making were fundamental assets that
had an impact on hunter-gatherer adaptative strategies.
In particular, access to raw materials suitable for tool
production probably determined mobility strategies that
were unrelated to food procurement (Fig. 5.1). The time
and energy invested in procuring raw materials and tool
production also directly affected the time available for
subsistence activities (Kuhn 1991:250).
El Bajío Vitrified Basalt Quarry at
Cerro de la Vuelta
The El Bajío quarry at Cerro de la Vuelta was the only
massive and extensive raw material source for tool making
used by Paleoindian people in Sonora. At least 98 percent
88 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Google Earth image of basalt quarry at El Bajío. Map
data © 2009 Google, INEGI, Digital Globe, CNES/SPOT Image.
of the lithic artifacts documented at El Bajío were derived
from this source. Cerro de la Vueltaand nearby hills with a
northwest-southeast orientation, apparently were formed
by volcanic eruptions. The hills are composed primarily
of medium-texture basalts that intrude into the granite
pediment of the Sierra San Jerónimo along a northeastsouthwest axis (Fig. 5.2). This basaltic eruption formed
a CBKP, or playa-like landform, where El Bajío is located.
Cerro de la Vuelta is the most northwestern hill formed by
the volcanic activity. Although we were able to find vitrified basalt of medium quality in the hills around Cerro de
la Vuelta, the vitrified basalt most suitable for tool making
is concentrated on the southern section of the hill.
On the southern slope of Cerro de la Vuelta, near
the summit, there is an extensive outcrop of vitrified
basalt. This outcrop is associated with enormous lithic
waste material dumps that extend for more than 20 m,
along with fragments of cores, blanks, biface preforms,
hammerstones, and abraders. The principal quarry area
extends over a hectare. The vitrified basalt occurs in prismatic and subprismatic blocks, and, although the quality of the raw material with regard to the production of
flaked stone tools is unpredictable, the overall quality
goes from good to supreme. Some blocks are fine-grained
and good for tool making; others have abundant internal
fractures or inclusions of olivine crystals of varying sizes,
or both. The raw material color is extremely variable,
ranging from a cream color to jet-black. Once flaked,
the material develops a surface patina, so the artifacts
at the site variously display a thick yellow glaze patina, a
thinner greenish patina, or a grey patina.
This Cerro de la Vuelta quarry appears to have been
exploited principally during the Paleoindian and Archaic
periods. In the only locality where ceramics were documented (Locus 20), we observed that the lithic artifacts
were manufactured from waterworn cobbles of basalt,
rhyolite, and diorite, with a notable absence of vitrified basalt.
Obsidian Sources
Small sources of obsidian are common in Sonora. The
small obsidian nodules that are commonly referred to as
Apache tears were observed on almost every site we visited. These nodules, associated with andesite and basalt,
may have been used by Paleoindians.
At El Bajío, an obsidian source was located on a hill
north of Cerro de la Vuelta. On that hill, the obsidian
occurs in the form of small nodules that were between
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 89
2 and 7 cm in diameter. Nodules no larger than 50 mm
were observed within a 100-m by 100-m area at the top
of another small, nearby hill.On a hill at the south end of
SON J:16:8, there is an obsidian source with small nodules ranging between 2 and 10 cm in diameter. At SON
N:11:20, an obsidian source was located on a small hill
south of Locus 5. This obsidian source occurs in a 600-m
by 600-m area and consists of in small nodules that are to
2 to 6 cm in diameter. The presence of obsidian reduction
flakes at SON N:11:20 confirms the prehistoric exploitation of this raw material source. Apache tear sources are
distributed all over the Sierra Libre southeast of Hermosillo and have been the focus of research by a group of
geologists of the Geology Department at the Universidad
de Sonora (Jesus Vidal, personal communication 2010).
Quartz Crystal Sources
At El Bajío, Cerro Rojo is located in the center of the site.
This hill contains quartz crystal and iron oxide deposits.
Bifacial retouch debitage produced using quartz crystal
and a possible Clovis point tip of quartz were collected
at Cerro Rojo.
Five kilometers west of Fin del Mundo, there is a hill
with enormous veins of quartz situated around its lower
slope. The quartz material occurs in varying purities but
all of displays hair-like filaments of the mineral rutile,
which provides a distinctive signature for this source.
Preliminary reconnaissance identified at least three
lithic workshop areas with thousands of pieces of quartz
debitage at Fin del Mundo. A complete Clovis point
and a medial fragment of a Clovis point recovered from
Locus 1 at Fin del Mundo, along with many more tools
from Locus 5, were manufactured from quartz crystal
that probably came from the quartz vein on the nearby
hill, which we refer to as Cerro del Cuarzo.
Fine Rhyolite Quarry
The Sierra Madre Occidental parental materials are
extrusive rhyolites, and these types of rocks are widely
distributed. At the locality of Upanguaymas we discovered a quarry of a fine rhyolite with artifacts and debitage. At least four Clovis points from different localities
were manufactured using rhyolite (see Gaines and others
2009b). At Fin del Mundo, rhyolite was widely used to
fabricate bifaces.
Quartzite Cobbles from Arroyos
There are many artifacts at SON O:3:1 made from quartzite. The quartzite cobbles common in the local arroyos
at the site may be the source of raw material used to
produce artifacts. Two Clovis points at Fin del Mundo,
as well as many artifacts at Locus 5, were made from
quartzite. It is probable that the source of quartzite at
Fin del Mundo is local. Quartzite outcrops occur south
of El Bajío.
Chalcedony and Chert Sources
All the cryptocrystalline silicates that have a genesis from
sedimentary parental material are in this group. Cherts
undergo multiple phases of genesis and configuration of
minerals during their formation, making it difficult to
determine their provenience (Foradas 2003; Andrefsky
2009). The chert sources in Sonora probably underwent
a relatively isolated genesis due to silica precipitation
from unique sources, such as a volcanic vent pushing
through a sedimentary limestone deposit. Although it
will be difficult to find chert quarries because they are
typically small, once they are found it will be easier to
determine their geochemical properties. Many different
classes of chert and chalcedony were used for making
Clovis points, end scrapers, and blades in Sonora. We did
not find any sources of chert during our investigations
but limestone is present between Fin del Mundo and El
Bajío. A geological survey to find chert sources is needed.
SONORAN CLOVIS LITHIC TECHNOLOGY
The Clovis tool kit includes the lanceolate Clovis point
with its distinctive basal flute; large prismatic blades;
conical, wedge-shaped cores; delicate end scrapers; and
a variety of unifacial and bifacial tools, including gravers,
that were manufactured from blades and flakes (Bradley
and others 2010:1; Haynes 1980, 1987; Stanford 1991). The
most diagnostic characteristic of the Clovis tool kit is the
skilled reduction process used by the makers of Clovis
tools. Using mostly percussion, they achieved sophisticated and distinctive attributes such as the overshot
flaking and fluting that are evident in the tools. After
Clovis, no other groups that inhabited Sonora developed
sophisticated flaking lithic industries similar to Clovis.
This makes the Clovis industry relatively easy to recognize and separate from later industries. Late Paleoindian
tool kits are virtually unknown from the southernmost
regions of the Sonoran Desert. The subsequent Archaic
lithic industries in northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States are more expeditious, and there
are relatively few formal tools in the assemblages (Carpenter and others 2002; Sanchez and Martinez 2001).
90 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.1. Patination on El Bajío Stone Tools
Munsell Code
Color Name
Patina Thickness
GLEY 23/10G
Bluish black
No patina
5Y 3/1
Very dark gray
Very little patina
5Y 6/1
Gray
Some patina
2.5Y 6/2
Light brownish gray
Medium patina/biological process
2.5Y 7/2
Light gray
Medium -heavy patina
10YR 5/4
Yellowish brown
Heavy patina/ biological rocess
10YR 7/4
Very pale brown
Heavy patina/biological process
Rock Patina on El Bajío Basalt Tools
The natural color of the vitrified basalt from El Bajío
quarry is bluish black (GLEY 23/10G) and very dark
gray (5Y 3/1), with olivine and other large crystals. The
majority of the Clovis diagnostic artifacts collected from
the surface show a thick patina. The patination present
on El Bajío artifacts is not only a luster, it is a dense
surface cover that transformed the artifact texture and
physical appearance of the rock. In some tools the patina
penetrates all the way to the core of the tool. It is possible that the El Bajío patina is a combination of physiochemical and biological processes thatdeveloped over a
long period of time. Nonetheless, the components of the
soil matrix and weathering played an important role in
patina formation on the tools.
To measure the amount of patina contained in an artifact, the Munsell Color Chart was employed (Table 5.1).
The biological processes of patina formation produced
patinas with more red colors than the physio-chemical
processes; these patinas needed more time to develop.
The thickness of the patina on the El Bajío stone tools
sometimes was used in this study in combination with
some technological attributes as an indicator of antiquity. A systematic study of patina on artifacts at El Bajío
needs to be developed to fully understand their formation process. Significantly, patination is not present on
the Archaic projectile points from the site.
The Sample and the Analytical Method
Clovis projectile points have been the central topic
of many studies (Agenbroad 1967; Bamforth 2009;
Buchanan and Collar 2007; Anderson and Gillam 2000;
Gains and others 2009b; Huckell 1982, 2004; Northon and
others 2005). The variety of Clovis artifacts comprising
the Clovis tool kit, however, has received less study
(Bradley and others 2010; Collins 1999a; Waters and others 2011). According to Huckell (2007:186), Clovis lithic
technology can be best understood as a system comprised of four different production subsystems: biface,
flake, blade, and expedient. Each subsystem begins with
raw material procurement and passes through various
manufacturing or reduction stages that terminate in finished tools. The subsystems are not isolated from each
other and they may start with the same blank (Bradley
and others 2010:1). After tools are produced, they often
they undergo a series of transformations until they are
discarded (Andrefsky 2009:66).
Lithic studies on non-projectile point Clovis diagnostic tools are rare, perhaps due to the fact that usually few
lithics are found in Clovis sites. The El Bajío collection is
unique because of the quantity of lithics collected from
the site, numbering around 14,000 artifacts. All of the
artifacts come from the surface, however, making it difficult to assign them to a particular chronological complex. This study uses existing literature to identify lithics that have been reported from Clovis sites. Previous
researchers considered these artifacts to be diagnostic of
the Clovis techno-complex. The degree of patina is also
used as a tool for determining the antiquity of artifacts.
The study presented here relies upon the published literature available regarding Clovis technology (Bradley
1991; Collins 1999a, 1999b, 2003; Crabtree 1966; Gramly
1990; Green 1963; Huckell 2007; Sanders 1990).
El Bajío has been collected for more than 40 years.
Investigations and artifact collections at the site were
made by Manuel Robles in the 1960s and early 1970s,
by Marion McIntyre and Kenneth McIntyre in 1975,
and by Julio César Montané between 1978 and 1980.
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 91
Table 5.2. Clovis Lithic Industry from El Bajío
Collection or
Locus
Blade
Industry
Unifacial
Industry
Biface
Industry
Misc.
Cores
59
47
42
6
26
3
29
Locus 1
1
1
Locus 2
1
1
20
27
2
18
Montané
M-Cerro Rojo
Hammers
Total
154
Locus 4
7
Locus 5
12
4
Locus 6
9
2
Locus 7
17
5
3
1
2
3
16
Locus 8
1
Locus 10
10
2
4
Locus 12
2
1
15
Locus 15
Isolated
TOTAL
3
2
15
27
1
1
19
1
6
2
12
2
1
23
122
90
106
11
5
334
Unfortunately, none of these researchers produced
reports or other documentation of their investigations.
Although these earlier projects produced extensive artifact collections from surface finds and subsurface excavations, there is virtually no information regarding the
horizontal or vertical provenience of the artifacts.
Julio César Montané collected at least 10 boxes of artifacts. Although little is known about the provenience of
his artifacts, his collection provides us with an important
source of Clovis diagnostic materials. The investigations
carried out by the Proyecto Geoarquelogía and Tecnología
Litica de los Grupos Paleo-Indios de Sonora in 2003 collected artifacts with precise provenience information,
although the majority of the artifacts were collected from
the surface. Between the Montané collection and the 2003
collection, there is a significant sample of 334 Clovis artifacts (Table 5.2.). The only tools recovered from a subsurface provenience were at Feature 1 in Locus 12, a knapping
station where square-base bifaces were manufactured. The
analysis is divided into three industries and two miscellaneous tool classes: a blade industry (n = 122), a unifacial
industry (n = 90, a bifacial industry (n = 106), and expedient miscellaneous cores (n = 11) and hammers (n = 5).
The Montané collection comprises 183 tools and the
2003 collection contains 150 Clovis diagnostic artifacts.
Being able to collect 150 Clovis diagnostic tools from El
Bajío in 2003 was an impressive achievement because
people have been collecting at the site for a long time.
This attests to the importance of the site in studying
Paleoindian archaeology. Only 12 diagnostic Archaic
projectile points were found in 2003, indicating that the
Archaic occupation of the site was less extensive than the
Paleoindian occupation.
CLOVIS BLADE TECHNOLOGY
In 1963, F. E. Green defined and described “Clovis
blades” as a new artifact type associated with the Clovis
complex. Seventeen Clovis blades were recovered from
a gravel pit at the Clovis site in Blackwater Draw, north
of Portales in eastern New Mexico (Green 1963). The
simple definition of a blade is a piece of chipped stone
that is at least twice as long as it is wide (Bordes 1967).
Although blades can occur fortuitously during flake-core
reduction, Clovis blades are the product of a distinctive
blade technology (Collins 1999a). Clovis blade technology is common in central and southeastern Texas at the
Pavo Real, Keven Davis, and Gault sites (Collins 1999a:4,
1999b, 2003; Haynes 2002:110; Tankersley 2004:55). The
blade technology strategy is diagnostic of Clovis groups.
92 r $IBQUFS
As far as we know, later Paleoindian groups—including
Folsom, Plainview, and Dalton—did not have a blade
technology.
Blade technology refers to the knowledge, strategy,
activities, and equipment used in the intentional production of blades. This process involves preparing a core
to extract blades (Collins 1999a:9). In Mesoamerica,
during the Classic and Postclassic periods (A.D. 600 to
A.D. 1521), an obsidian blade technology was an essential lithic technological process for tool making, and
this technology was controlled by Mesoamerican states
to fabricate blades for mass production. The blades
and manufacturing byproducts were sold to large cities
such as Teotihuacan, Tula, and the Gran Tenochtitlan.
The physical control of obsidian quarries by states was
fundamental in managing the production and distribution of tools (Pastrana 1998). Ten thousand years earlier,
bands of Clovis hunters and gatherers fabricated blades
employing a technology similar to the later Mesoamerican one. Clovis blade technology is common at Clovis
sites in Texas, and is present at Blackwater Draw in New
Mexico, Murray Springs in Arizona, and Adams in Kentucky, as well as at other Paleoinidan sites (Collins 1999a).
Blade technology is an efficient use of stone in terms
of total length and cutting edge produced for a given
mass of raw material (Collins 1999a; Pastrana 1998).
Blade knappers’ biggest concerns are the angle of flaking
and the amount of force they deliver into the core. Blades
can be produced by direct percussion with a sharp blow
if the core is held with one hand or with a foot; a second person may also hold the core. To initiate reduction
from a blade core it is necessary to have an acute angular
edge that establishes a platform. If a core lacks a suitable
natural face, a ridge can be produce by bifacial flaking,
and the flakes that are removed during this procedure
are referred as crested blades. The first blades removed
from the core will contain much of the natural cortex. As
more blades are removed from a core, the face constantly
changes as the relationship between the core face and the
platform also changes (Collins 1999a).
If the angle between the platform and the face of the
core is near 90 degrees, it is possible for the toolmaker to
move around the entire circumference of the core removing blades, leaving an exhausted conical shaped core as
a result. Damage to the platform sometimes occurs, and
although this can be repaired by flaking the platform and
face, eventually the damage reaches a point were no more
blades can be detached. If sufficient mass remains, a new
platform can be made by completely removing the old
platform by a single large flake from the side; the mass
removed is known as a core tablet flake. In many cases,
the blades obtained from conical cores have narrow
platforms that are curved because the angle between the
platform and the face is approximately 60 to 70 degrees
(Collins 1999a).
Another type of core produced by Clovis people for
obtaining blades was the wedge-shaped core. The blades
produced from a wedge-shaped core have a more acute
angle than those from conical cores. Wedge-shaped cores
generally have a narrow face and a multifaceted platform. Maintenance of platforms on these cores is much
simpler than that needed for other cores, and consists
of trimming an acute bifacial edge. Wedge-shaped cores
can have opposing platforms. The blades obtained from
wedge-shaped cores are not curved (Collins 1999a:51).
Following Collins (1999a), blades are divided into three
groups: cortical blades, non-cortical baldes with prior
blade scars, and prismatic blades.
THE SONORAN CLOVIS BLADE INDUSTRY
Clovis blade technology is an important component of
the El Bajío lithic collection. A total of 122 artifacts representing all the stages of Clovis blade technology have
been collected from the site, including conical cores
(n=3), core tablet flakes (n=5), wedge-shaped cores
(n=9), crested blades (n=9), cortical blades (n=12), noncortical blades with prior blade scars (n=22), prismatic
blades (n=49), flakes for core rejuvenation (n=6), and
platform maintenance flakes (n=7) (Table 5.3). All the
artifacts of the blade subsystem were fabricated on El
Bajío basalt, with the exception of three chert blades.
Conical Cores
In 2003, three conical core fragments were collected at El
Bajío from three loci. These conical cores are broken, and
they all have faceted platforms. One conical core with
a multifaceted platform was collected from El Bajío by
Manuel Robles in the 1960s (Table 5.4; Fig. 5.3). This core
measures 90 mm in length, and is curated at the Museo
de la Universidad de Sonora, in Hermosillo.
Core Tablet Flakes
Core tablet flakes are associated with the repair of the
platform in conical cores (Fig. 5.4). Five core tablet flakes
are part of the El Bajío collection. Four tablet flakes were
collected by Montané in 1979, and one was found in
Locus 5 during fieldwork in 2003 (Table 5.5).
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 93
Table 5.3. Clovis Blade Industry Artifacts from El Bajío
Artifact Types
Montané
Collection
Conical cores
Locus 4
Locus 5
Locus 6
Locus 7
1
1
1
Core tablet flakes
4
1
Wedge-shaped
cores
5
1
2
1
1
Crested blades
5
Cortical blades
9
1
Totals
3
9
1
2
Prismatic blades
18
3
5
Blade core error
recovery flakes
2
1
1
Platform maintenance flakes
4
1
2
4
12
9
3
3
7
Isolated
1
12
59
Locus 12
5
Non-cortical blades
TOTAL
Locus 10
9
2
3
8
6
12
22
1
4
49
2
6
7
17
10
2
6
122
Table 5.4. Conical Cores from El Bajío
Bag
Number
Locus
Condition
Weight (g)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
Raw Material
(Munsell Color)
Platform
37733
6
Core fragment
66
53
52
35
Bajío basalt with
patina ( 5y 5/2)
Faceted
45469
4
Core fragment
95
38
48
38
Bajío basalt with
patina ( 5y 5/2)
Multifaceted
45415
7
Core fragment
148.5
30
61
56
Bajío basalt with
patina (5y 5/1)
Faceted
'JHVSF Conical core from El Bajío.
'JHVSF Core tablet flakes from El Bajío.
94 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.5. Core Tablet Flakes from El Bajío
Bag No.
Collection
or Locus
Condition
Weight
(g)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
1101
Montané
Complete
22.1
46
35
141
Montané
Complete
35.2
72
1096
Montané
Complete
170
199
Montané
Fragment
37739
Locus 5
Complete
Thickness
(mm)
Raw material
(Munsell Color)
Exterior face
30
Bajío basalt with
patina (5y 5/2)
Multifaceted
32
22
Bajío basalt with
patina (2.5y 5/2)
Faceted
81
78
40
Bajío basalt with
patina (2.5y 7/2)
Multifaceted
25.8
44
33
16
Bajío basalt with
patina (5y 5/2)
Multifaceted
24.5
49
43
25
Bajío basalt with
patina (2.5y 6/2)
Cortical
Table 5.6. Wedge-shaped Cores from El Bajío
Bag No.
Collection
or Locus
Condition
Weight
(g)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness Raw Material
(mm)
(Munsell Color)
Cortex
Platform
140
Montané
Complete
153.8
82
67
33
Bajío basalt with
patina ( 2.5y 5/2)
30%
Multifaceted
35432
Montané
Distal
100.6
60
54
39
Bajío basalt with
patina (5y 5/2)
No
Faceted
35440
Montané
Complete
81.4
58
57
20
Bajío basalt with
patina (2.5y 5/2)
30%
Cortex
37550.2
Locus 6
Complete
71.5
62
49
29
Bajío basalt with
patina (5y 5/2)
No
Cortex
45397
Locus 10
Fragment
54.5
52
43
25
Bajío basalt with
patina (5y 5/2)
25%
37550.2
Locus 6
Complete
147
75
52
35
Bajío basalt with
patina (5y 5/1)
No
195
Montané
Fragment
62
31
61
32
Bajío basalt with
patina (5y 6/2)
40%
695B
Montané
Fragment
72
54
60
24
Bajío basalt with
patina (5y 6/1)
No
Faceted
37007
Locus 5
Fragment
60.5
51
49
18
Bajío basalt with
patina (2.5y 5/1)
20%
Cortex
Cortex
Wedge-shaped cores
Wedge-shaped cores for obtaining blades have a right
angle of 90 degrees between the platform and the core.
Wedge-shaped cores from El Bajío have a much narrower and flatter face than those of the conical cores, the
platform is multifaceted, and blades were obtained only
from one face. The opposite face is terminated by bifacial
flaking or retains original cortex. Platform management
of wedge-shape cores is much simpler than that of conical cores, consisting of trimming an acute bifacial edge.
Nine wedge-shaped cores are in the El Bajío collection (Table 5.6). All are exhausted cores, with platforms
that are faceted or cortical, and many of them retain
the original cortex on their faces. The complete cores
(n = 4) have lengths that range from 58 mm to 82 mm.
The productivity of these cores is much lower than that
of the conical variety; however, the maintenance of the
platform and face is much simpler.
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 95
Table 5.7. Crested Blades from El Bajío
Bag No.
Locus
Condition
Weight
(g)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness
695B
Montané
Complete
1098
Montané
193
18.7
79
24
12
Bajío basalt (2.5y 7/4)
Complete
22
60
30
15
Bajío basalt (5y 6/2)
Montané
Complete
28
59.5
26
21
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/2)
695B
Montané
Complete
20.5
60
25
18
Bajío basalt (2.5y 7/4)
35448
Montané
Complete
45.8
87
31
17
Bajío basalt (5y 6/2)
45311
Locus 7
Distal
38
78
30
18
Bajío basalt (2.5y 7/3)
37546
Locus 6
Medial
11.5
54
18
8
Bajío basalt (5y 6/2)
37557
Locus 7
Terminal
22
16
Bajío basalt (5y 6/3)
45413
Locus 7
Complete
21.5
18
Bajío basalt (5y 6/3)
5.6
51
2.6
26
Raw Material
(Munsell Color)
Table 5.8. Platform Preparation Flakes
Bag No.
Collection
or Locus
Condition
Weight
(g)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
695B
Montané
Complete
41.7
73
59
695B
Montané
Complete
46.8
57
1087
Montané
Complete
64.2
195
Montané
Split
45412
Locus 7
45508
37608
Thickness
(mm)
Raw Material
Munsell Color)
Exterior
Face
9
Bajío basalt (5y 6/2)
Faceted
70
12
Bajío basalt (5y 6/2)
Faceted
71
70
13
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/3)
Faceted
15
60
30
9
Bajío basalt (5y 6/2)
Faceted
Complete
49
57
62
12
Bajío basalt (2.5y 7/3)
Faceted
Locus 7
Complete
12
55
38
6
Bajío basalt (2.5y 5/1)
Faceted
Locus 5 - ele1
Complete
31
55
50
7
Bajío basalt (10yr 5/3)
Faceted
Crested Blades
Crested blades are mostly used in maintenance of conical
cores (Collins (1999a:19). Nine crested blades of the El
Bajío basalt are part of the collection, six are complete
and three are fragments (Table 5.7; Fig. 5.5).
Platform Preparation and Rejuvenation Flakes
Distinctive flakes are produced during the maintenance
and rejuvenation of core platforms. The dorsal side of
these flakes is distinctive because they show the scars
of the multifaceted platform of the core. The rejuventation of the core platform produced by the subtraction
of flakes is less intrusive than the core tablet flakes, and
they probably are the first choice of a knapper for fixing
the platform of a core, If this remedy fails, removal of the
core tablet will be the next step. Seven platform preparation flakes are part of the El Bajío collection (Table 5.8).
'JHVSF Crested blades made from El Bajío basalt.
96 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.9. Blade Core Error Recovery Flakes from El Bajío
Bag No.
Collection
or Locus
Condition
Weight
(gr)
35428
Montané
Complete
10.5
35
27
10
1043
Montané
Complete
15.5
30
38
7
Bajío basalt (5y7/2)
37551
Isolated 12
Complete
36
46
39
14
Bajío basalt (5y 4/2)
37542
Isolated 12
Terminal
19.5
75
28
8
Bajío basalt (5y 5/2)
37556.2
Locus 7
Complete
2.5
48
16
5
Bajío basalt (5y 5/1)
37608
Locus 5 -ele1
Complete
28
55
11
31
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
Raw Material
(Munsell Color)
Bajío basalt (2.5y 5/2)
Bajío basalt (10yr 5/3)
Blade Core Error Recovery Flakes
Non-Cortical Blades with Prior Blade Scars
When a blade hinges or a step fracture occurs during
blade core reduction, it creates an impediment to further blade removals (Collins 2003:116). Occasionally,
this obstacle can be removed by driving a blade beneath
the errant spot in the same alignment. In other cases it
is necessary to run a flake across the face of the core.
Many times the flakes exterior retains the hinged scar.
Six error recovery flakes are in the El Bajío collection
(Table 5.9).
The El Bajío collection includes 22 non-cortical blades
or blade fragments with prior blade scars (Table 5.11).
Seven blades are complete; three are proximal fragments.
The complete blades vary between 45 mm and 86 mm in
length. Their widths range from 17 mm to 41 mm. Eight
blades in this group bear macroscopic use-wear scars
along one or two edges, indicative of scraping and cutting tasks. The use-wear scars on three blades recovered
from the surface are covered with patina.
Primary Cortex Blades
Primary cortex blades represent the initial blades that are
obtained from the core. Twelve primary cortex blades
are contained in the El Bajío collection (Table 5.10). Ten
are complete blades, and two are proximal fragments.
The primary flakes retain 50 to 70 percent of the cortex, and they have at least one cortical facet. The blades
show faceted (n = 6), multifaceted (n = 2), and cortical
(n = 3) platforms. The lengths of the complete blades
are between 57 mm and 135 mm, and their widths are
between 25 mm and 60 mm. With the exception of
three primary cortex blades made using Bajío basalt,
all the primary cortext blades have varying degrees of
patina. The majority of the blades are flat, but three of
them present some curvature. The degree of curvature is
measured as the change in course of the fracture between
the proximal and distal end of the blade interior (Collins
and Lohse 2004:120). At least five blades in this group
present macroscopic use-wear scars along one or two
edges, indicative of scraping and cutting tasks. The usewear scars of these artifacts, recovered from the surface,
are covered with patina.
Prismatic Blades
Prismatic blades are specialized flakes removed from a
prepared core where the blades are at least twice as long
as they are wide and they exhibit more than one parallel
blade scar on their dorsal surface. These blades have a
prismatic, triangular or trapezoidal cross section. Fortynine prismatic blades and blade fragments are in the El
Bajío collection (Table 5.12, Figs. 5.6 and 5.7). The majority
of these blades have trapezoidal cross sections. Twentythree of the blads are complete, with lengths between 40
mm and 123 mm. The width of these prismatic blades falls
between 16 mm and 40 mm. All of them are made on the
Bajío Basalt, with the exception of three blades that were
manufactured on different kinds of cherts. One prismatic
blade was made with the same kind of chert as observed in
an artifact collected at Fin del Mundo. One large prismatic
blade indicates bipolar flaking represented by opposite
protuberant bulbs. Most blades in this group have faceted
platforms. Sixteen blades exhibit macroscopic use-wear
scars along one or two edges, indicative of scraping and
cutting tasks. The use-wear scars on the blades, collected
from the surface, are covered with patina.
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 97
Table 5.10. Primary Cortex Blades from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Collection Condition
or Locus
Weight Length Width
(g)
(mm)
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
1031
Montané
Complete
82.5
135
53
12
695B
Montané
Complete
18.5
66
23
10
35445
Locus 4
Complete
39.2
80
45
11.5
35430
Montané
Complete
26.5
85
27
11
35448
Isolated 3
Complete
45.8
86
32
19
195
Montané
Proximal
37
51
38
35440
Montané
Complete
161
130
695B
Montané
Proximal
60
695B
Montané
Complete
37544
Locus 6
45573
37608
Facets Raw Material
(Munsell
Color)
Platform Macro
useWear
Rhyolite
40%
—
—
—
Bajío basalt
(2.5y 6/2)
70%
—
Faceted
—
Bajío basalt
(2.5y 6/2)
45%
—
Multifaceted
+
Bajío basalt
(2.5y 6/2)
70%
—
Faceted
+
1
Bajío basalt
(2.5y 7/3)
50%
—
Multifaceted
—
18
2
Bajío basalt
(2.5y 7/3)
30%
10
Faceted
—
64
—
2
Rhyolite
25%
—
Cortex
+
48R
60
16
1
Bajío basalt
(5y 6/2)
50%
—
Cortex
+
39.5
68
25
16
1
Bajío basalt
(5y 6/3)
50%
10
Faceted/
cortex
—
Complete
34
62
46
12
2
Red/yellow
chert (color
= 5yr 4/3)
60%
10
Faceted
+
Locus 12ele2
Complete
29
57
20
8
1
1 Bajío basalt
(10yr 5/3)
30%
—
Faceted
—
Locus 5
Complete
51
98
30
12
1
Bajío basalt
patina
(2.5y 5/1
50%
15
—
—
'JHVSF Prismatic Blades from El Bajío.
2
Cortex Degree of
Curvature
1
'JHVSF Prismatic Blades from El Bajío.
98 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.11. Cortical Blades with Prior Scars from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Collection
or Locus
Condition Weight Length Width Thick(g)
(mm)
(mm) ness
(mm)
1038
Montané
Distal
33.5
81
30
12
1
Bajío basalt (5y 6/3)
—
+
695B
Montané
Distal
12.1
46
31
9
1
Bajío basalt (5y 7/2)
—
+
35430
Montané
Distal
10.4
45
23
11
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/2)
1812
Montané
Distal
19.9
55
29
16
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/2)
—
+
35429
Montané
Medial
6.1
31
22
0.7
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/2)
—
+
1096
Montané
Proximal
5.2
29
25
7
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/2)
Cortex
+
1840
Montané
Complete
59
86
36
16
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 7/2)
Cortex
—
35449
Montané
Distal
26.5
64
29
11
1
White chert
695B
Montané
Complete
11.5
45
24
10
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/2)
35448
Montané
Complete
35
75
33
12
2
Chert cream and
white.*
695A
Montané
Proximal
30
36
41
11
1
695B
Montané
Complete
7.6
46
29
7
37540
Locus 5
Distal
53.5
78
38
37529
Locus 4
Complete
30
66
37629
Locus 4
Complete
37534
Locus 4
Distal
37561.1 Locus 7
Facets Raw Material
(Munsell Color)
Degree of
Curvature
Platform Macro
useWear
Much
patina
+
—
—
Faceted
—
—
—
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/2)
Faceted
+
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/2)
Faceted
and
cortex
—
16
1
Bajío basalt (5y 5/2)
—
—
33
22
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 6/1)
Faceted
+
51
17
7
1
Bajío basalt
(gley 1 3/n)
—
—
25
60
27
15
1
Bajío basalt (5y 6/2)
—
—
Distal
14.5
43
38
10
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 7/3)
—
—
37561.1 Locus 7
Distal
72.5
92
38
20
1
Bajío basalt (2.5y 7/3)
—
—
45312
Locus 10
Medial
1.5
18
16
4
1
White chert with
black lines (2.5y 7/1)
—
—
45391
Locus 10
Complete
15
51
30
9
1
Bajío basalt (5y 5/2)
—
—
37574
Locus 10
Medial
11.5
50
28
17
1
Bajío basalt (5y 5/2)
—
—
37608
Locus 5
Proximal
(Feature 1)
19
41
34
8
1
Bajío basalt (10yr6/2)
—
—
9.5
Note: * This piece is similar to one found at Fin del Mundo.
8
6
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 99
Table 5.12. Prismatic Blades from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Collection Condition Weight Length
or Locus
(g)
(mm)
695A
Montané
Complete
695b
Montané
Medial
35430
Montané
Medial
35430
Montané
35430
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
35
17
66.8
108
1.8
17
15.5
45
72
36
Proximal
18.5
56
Montané
Complete
44.3
695B
Montané
Medial
695B
Montané
695B
35435
Raw Material Degree of Protub- Platform Macro
(Munsell
Curvature erant
use-Wear
Color)
Bulb
2.5y 7/2
5
—
Chert
—
—
17
5y 6/2
—
—
26
10
5 y 5/2
—
+
88
32
11
5y 5/2
—
+
5.5
24
27
5y 7/2
—
—
Proximal
26.5
51
29
11
2.5y 6/2
—
+
Faceted
Montané
Proximal
14
35
35
8
5y 6/2
—
+
Faceted
Montané
Complete
68.5
83
36
20
10yr 7/4
—
—
Cortical
Montané
Complete
94
112
35
21
10yr 5/4
—
Bipolar
Faceted
+
Montané
Complete
102
106
38
21
2.5y 6/2
—
+
Faceted
+
Montané
Complete
77.2
123
36.5
15
10yr 5/4
—
—
Faceted
+
35428
Montané
Complete
38.6
72
31
15
10yr 7/4
—
+
Faceted
695A
Montané
Complete
—
59
20
15
2.5y 6/2
—
—
1031
Montané
Complete
22.6
76
27
12.5
2.5y 6/2
—
—
Faceted
695B
Montané
Complete
5
48
16
7
5y 6/2
—
—
Faceted
+
695B
Montané
Complete
39.2
105
40
12
2.5y 6/2
8
+
Faceted
+
695B
Montané
Complete
34.2
81
39
10
2.5y 7/4
7
—
Faceted
37672
Isolated
Complete
36.8
73
36
12
2.5y 7/4
15
+
Faceted
37542
Isolated
Complete
39
82
30
14
5y 6/2
6
—
45305
Locus 6
Medial
6.5
40
18
8
10yr 6/3
—
—
45305
Locus 6
Distal
10.3
53
25
9
5y 3/1
—
—
37730
Locus 6
Proximal
50.5
69
40
15
5y 5/1
—
—
37542
Isolated
Terminal
89.5
79
36
24
5y 5/1
10
—
37538
Locus 5
Complete
54.8
111
38
12
5y 6/2
10
—
Faceted
37624
Locus 4
Complete
12.5
60
26
6
5y 5/1
—
+
Faceted
37540
Locus 5
Complete
44
72
38
14
2.5y 6/2
—
—
Cortical
37729
Locus 6
Proximal
17
35
30
12
5y 6/2
—
+
Faceted
37530
Locus 4
Distal
7.5
28
30
7
5y 7/2
—
—
37530
Locus 4
Distal
19.5
34
38
15
5y 7/2
14
—
1847
4.5
5.5
Faceted
+
+
Faceted
+
+
Fortical
+
Reclamation
+
+
Faceted
continued
100 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.12. (continued)
Bag
No.
Collection Condition Weight Length
or Locus
(g)
(mm)
Width
(mm)
37561.1 Locus 7
Complete
22
58
45317
Locus 7
Distal
17.5
50
22
45504
Locus 7
Proximal
18.5
46
45420
Locus 7
Proximal
74
45506
Locus 7
Terminal
37555
Locus 7
Proximal
Thickness
(mm)
22
Raw Material Degree of Protub- Platform Macro
(Munsell
Curvature erant
use-Wear
Color)
Bulb
2.5y 6/1
—
+
Faceted
No
9
5y 5/1
14
—
29
8
2.5y 7/3
—
+
Faceted
+
81
46
16
5y 6/2
—
—
Faceted
+
25.5
24
32
12
Purple/
white chert
—
—
1.5
16
18
4
Gray chert
—
—
5
34
13
5y 6/3
—
13
37561.1 Locus 7
Distal
42
37560
Locus 7
Distal
37.5
85
30
13
10yr 7/4
—
12
45447
Locus 12
Distal
11
34
30
12
10yr 5/3
—
10
45314
Locus 10
Distal
6
35
20
5
5y 5/2
—
—
Trampling
45392
Locus 10
Distal
9.2
72
30
9
5y 5/2
—
—
Trampling
37574
Locus 10
Complete
19.5
60
30
9
5y 6/2
12
—
Faceted
Trampling
45394
Locus 10
Proximal
13
44
29
8
5y 5/1
—
—
Faceted
Trampling
45315
Locus 10
Complete
22.5
62
25
11
5y 6/2
—
—
45395
Locus 10
Complete
53
75
38
25
5y 6/2
—
+
Cortical
Trampling
37657
Isolated
Proximal
23
47r
28
12
5y 6/1
—
—
Faceted
+
37608
Locus 5ele1
Complete
61
40
29
7
10yr 5/3
—
—
Faceted
37608
Locus 5ele1
Distal
13.5
28
28
14
2.5y 5/1
—
—
37608
Locus 5ele1
Complete
36
70
34
11
10yr6/2
13
—
UNIFACIAL TECHNOLOGY
A uniface is a specific type of stone tool that has been
flaked on one surface only. Scrapers are unifacially
retouched tools with a steep, obtuse-angled edge that is
suitable for a number of tasks, including scraping hides,
planing wood or bone, and cutting like a knife (Whittaker 1994). A total of 90 unifacial tools are part of the El
Bajío lithic collection, including flakes, blades, and core
fragments (Table 5.13). End scrapers in the Bajío collection include 28 lateral scrapers, 10 composite scrapers,
four denticulate lateral and composite scrapers, three
tortoise back scrapers, 10 unifacially retouched gravers,
+
and five notched tools. Julio Montané collected the largest concentration of unifacial artifacts from a single
locality in 1979. These unifacial artifacts came from a
surface concentration of tools in the northern sector
of Cerro Rojo, a small hill located in the middle of the
El Bajío site (Julio Montané, personal communication
2003). Twenty-six unifacially retouched tools were collected from this locality.
End Scrapers
End scrapers are diagnostic Paleoindian tools. In the
United States, they are important temporal indicators, like
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 101
Table 5.13. Unifacial Tools from El Bajío
Tool Type
Montané
Collection
Montané-Cerro Locus 5 Locus 6 Locus 7 Locus 8 Locus 10 Locus 12 Isolated
Colorado
End scrapers
14
9
Side scraper
19
7
Composite
scraper
3
3
Denticulate
1
1
1
Gravers
6
3
1
Notched
tools
4
1
Circular
scrapers
TOTAL
2
1
1
1
3
1
2
26
30
32
6
1
4
10
5
2
47
2
Totals
1
4
2
5
1
2
1
3
2
90
'JHVSF End scrapers from Fin del Mundo.
'JHVSF End scrapers from El Bajío.
projectile points (Collins 2003; Frison 1991). End scrapers
are diagnostic of all Paleoindian components, including
Clovis, Folsom, and Plainview, because they are not present in Archaic complexes in Sonora and Arizona. End
scrapers are triangular, about 5 cm in length. Many of
them have a spur at the intersection of the lateral edge
and the distal end. Many spurs are broken off of the end
scrapers, presumably from use (Morrow 1997). Paleoindian end scrapers were almost certainly hafted. Hafted
scrapers have been found in the state of Coahuila, Mexico,
in dry caves, including Cueva de la Candelaria and Cuatro
Cienegas. Although the Coahuila scrapers are of much
later age (A.D. 0 to 1400) it is possible that the Paleoindian
scrapers were hafted in the same way as these examples.
A total of 30 end scrapers are present in the El Bajío
collections, 13 of which are made on prismatic blades and
17 on flakes (Table 5.14). Twelve scrapers were made on
fine cryptocrystalline cherts that are not locally available
(Fig. 5.8). At least two of the chert end scrapers were
made on the same cherts used to make two end scrapers
and blades at the Fin del Mundo site (Fig. 5.9). Furthermore, an end scraper made on a red chert resembles the
material used to make an end scraper recovered at Murray Springs in Southern Arizona (C. Vance Haynes Jr.,
personal communication 2003).
Fourteen end scrapers exhibit one or two spurs, protuberances made by notching. One spur was formed by
a burin spall. The spurs are located at the intersection
of the lateral edge and the distal end, and they probably functioned as leather punches. Eight scrapers have
the spur on the left side; four have the spur on the right
side; and two scrapers have double spurs. The majority
of the El Bajío end scrapers were probably hafted. Fifteen
Bag
No.
Collection
or Locus
Raw
Material
Munsell
Color
Made
On
Attributes
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
Function
angle
Spur (dorsal
aspect)
Hafting
marks
141
Montané
Bajío basalt
10yr 7/3
Blade
Step
termination
45.9
32.3
9.5
40
No
20 mm from
the base
1027
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/2
Flake
24.3
21.5
4.9
20
Left
1027
Montané
Bajío basalt
10yr 7/3
Flake
30
18.1
5.6
20
No
Snap
1069
Montané
Gray chert
gley 1 4/n
Flake
28.8
23.6
15.6
40
Left
Snap
1079
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/4
Flake
Was hafted
30.9
48.5
12.2
45
No
Snap
1096
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
10yr 7/4
Flake
Was hafted
20.5
34.2
11.3
25
No
Snap
1096
M-rojo
Pink.
heat-treated
chert*
10r 6/3
Flake
Was hafted
28.0
27.5
8.6
70
1
Snap
1272
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 5/2
Flake
Heavily
fragmented
64.1
56.2
12.5
25
No
No
1847
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/3
Flake
Step
termination
51.1
36.9
17.1
55
Left
18 mm from
the base
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
2.5 y 6/2
Flake
Was hafted
32.8
28.4
8.0
25
No
19 mm from
the base
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
10yr 10/4
Flake
Step
termination
59.3
42.0
16.5
30
Burin flake
No
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
5y 7/2
Flake
Was hafted
38.4
32.8
10.8
30
No
12 mm from
the base
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
5y 7/1
Blade
Was hafted
40.0
35.1
9.0
20
Left
10 mm from
the base
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/2
Flake
54.0
69.4
16.7
30
No
No
35428
M-rojo
Brown chert
5y 6/1
Flake
Was hafted
27.6
25.2
15.4
50
Right
10 mm from
the base
35429
Montané
Brown chert
10yr 6/1
Flake
Step
termination
and hafted
39.1
39.2
13.8
40
No
10 mm from
the base
Was hafted
102 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.14. Attributes of End Scrapers from El Bajío
Table 5.14. (continued)
Bag
No.
Collection
or Locus
Raw
Material
Munsell
Color
Made
On
Attributes
Thickness
(mm)
Function
angle
35442
Isolated
Yellow
chert
10yr 7/6
Blade
Hafted
32
35447
Isolated
Orange
chert
7.5y 5/8
Blade
Hafted
695A
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/2
Blade
695B
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/3
695B
Montané
Yellow chert*
1069
Montané
35435
Width
(mm)
Hafting
marks
29.6
6
23
No
Snap
19.8
25
4.1
20
Left
Snap
Hafted
31
22
6.2
25
2
Snap
Blade
Hafted
32.0
30.5
7.8
30
No
18 mm from
the base
2.5y 5/4
Flake
Step,
hafted
27.6
29.0
6.9
40
Right
12 mm from
the base
Bajío basalt
10yr 7/10
Blade
Hafted
40
32
11
30
No
12 mm from
the base
Montané
Purple
chert
10r 5/2
Flake
Hafted
36
31
13
45
No
11 mm from
the base
695B
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/1
Blade
Hafted
20
20
3.5
20
No
Distal end
fragment
37549b
Locus 6
Red chert**
10r 4/4
Blade
Hafted
37
21
6
20
Right
17 mm from
the base
45460
Locus 8
White
chert
10yr 8/1
Flake
Hafted
34
32
8
25
No
Snap
37556
Locus 7
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Blade
Hafted
41
26
7
25
No
17 mm from
the base
45398
Locus 10
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Blade
Step,
hafted
49
28
11
40
Right
22 mm from
the base
37574
Locus 10
Pink,
heat-treated
chert*
2.5yr 5/4
Blade
Step,
hafted
45
28
8
40
Left
25 mm from
the base
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Blade
Hafted
39
31
5
20
Left
14mm from
the base
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 103
Spur (dorsal
aspect)
Key: M-rojo = Montané-Cerro Rojo.
Note: *same material as found at Fin del Mundo.
** same material as found at Murray Springs.
Length
(mm)
104 r $IBQUFS
of them have notches in their sides near the base that
appear to be hafting marks. In 10 specimens the distal
end of the tool snapped, probably when they were hafted.
Twelve end scrapers have poorer workmanship on their
lateral edges than on their distal ends, indicating that
they were retouched or curated while hafted.
Side Scrapers
Side scrapers may be made on blanks that are blades or
flakes (Whittaker 1994:27). The retouched side may be
either the left edge or the right edge, or even on both
edges, in which case it would be called a double side
scraper. Side scrapers are further defined by the shape
of their retouched edges as being concave, straight or
convex. Thirty-two side scrapers are part of the El Bajío
collection (Table 5.15). Side scrapers are not age diagnostic tools because they are common during Paleoindian
times and during the Holocene. The analysis of the El
Bajío collection, however, indicated the side scrapers
may be of Paleoindian age. Some of them are manufactured on blades, and a group of them was found with end
scrapers at the locality of Cerro Rojo. This may indicate
their use in the same activity. Most of the side scrapers
exhibit a heavy patina.
Most of the side scrapers are made on flakes and
three were manufactured on blades. Six side scrapers
were made using a non-local chalcedony or chert raw
material, one was made using a quartz crystal that was
probably local, and the rest were made using the local
vitrified basalt. Fourteen backed scrapers were classified
as backed side scrapers. According to Gramly (1990), a
backed scraper is a side scraper that has an edge that is
comfortable and safe for gripping opposite to the cutting
edge. The back may have been created intentionally or
may have resulted from a natural plane present in the
rock. At least four backed scrapers have a spur located
at the intersection of the lateral edge and the distal end.
Two spurs were manufactured by notching and two were
produced by a burin spall. Julio Montané collected seven
side scrapers form a locus near Cerro Rojo in the center
of the site, and four of these are backed side scrapers. The
most interesting backed side scraper is a specimen made
using an 81-mm thick flake of a totally transparent quartz
crystal, bag number 1094 (Fig. 5.10).
Composite Scraper
Composite scrapers are defined as unifacial tools with a
continuous invasive medium-to-steep retouch in multiple edges (Sliva 1997). The six composite scrapers in
'JHVSF Side scraper from El Bajío
made from quartz crystal.
the El Bajío collection were all made on flakes (Table
5.16). Five of these scrapers were made using Bajío basalt
and one was made using an orange chert. Composite
scrapers are not diagnostic of a particular time period
or lithic complex in the southwestern United States or
northern Mexico. Although composite, denticulate, and
circular scrapers are common in Archaic assemblages,
we consider the collection from El Bajío to have a
Paleoindian affiliation. This is because the scrapers have
a thick patina, and they were spatially associated with
Paleoindian assemblages.
Denticulate Scrapers
Denticulate scrapers have a morphology that displays
one or more edges worked into multiple notched shapes,
much like the toothed edge of a saw. These tools might
have been used as saws, most likely for meat processing
and plant processing (Whittaker 1994). Four denticulate
scrapers are present in the El Bajío collection (Table 5.17).
Two of these are side scrapers and two are end scrapers,
one of which presents a spur.
Circular Scrapers
Circular scrapers are also known as discoidal scrapers.
They are usually based on a flake that has a circular shape,
with retouch completely around the periphery. In many
cases circular scrapers are resharpened and reworked
end scrapers (Gramly 1990:14). Three examples of cicular
Table 5.15. Side Scrapers from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Collection
or Locus
Raw
Material
Color
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
Weight
(g)
Functional
angle
Spur
1281
Montané
Bajío basalt
695B
Montané
1094
Montané
1079
10yr 7/4
42.4
44.2
18.1
33.4
40
1
Backed
Bajío basalt
10yr 6/2
60
46
20
61.9
45
1
Backed
Quartz crystal
transparent
81.0
50.0
21.5
106.9
30
1
Backed
Montané
Bajío basalt
10yr 8/4
49.5
42.4
25.1
52.3
45
Backed
35430
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 5/2
67.6
49.8
24.9
56.1
20
Backed
695A
Montané
Bajío basalt
10yr 7/3
29.3
53.5
11.8
20.9
50
Backed in blade
142
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 8/2
44.2
38.4
13.8
27.8
30
1034
Montané
Red chert
2.5 yr 5/4
48.9
41
17.6
31.4
45
35430
Montané
Red chert
7.5yr 4/3
47.1
33.1
20.6
34.8
70
35429
Montané
Brown chert
10yr 6/4
27.9
43.1
14.5
19.9
45
192
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 7/1
34.9
42.8
6.9
25
23
1069
Montané
Bajío basalt
10y 7/3
49.4
31
16
33.4
40
35440
Montané
Bajío basalt
10yr 8/1
61.7
78.2
22.8
105.3
50
35429
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/3
42.5
27
12.8
19.8
25
695A
Montané
Brown chert
10yr 6/3
31
33.8
15.1
17.5
50
25
Montané
Brown chert
10yr 4/1
47
36
10
142
Montané
Orange chert
10yr 5/4
46.5
31
6
142
Montané
Pink chert
10r 6/1
30.6
52.9
7.2
1096
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
10yr 7/4
42.1
31
1095
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
10yr 6/3
54
42
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/1
39.3
32.1
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/3
55.3
39.4
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
5y 6/1
51.4
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
10yr 5/2
58
1096
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/1
39.5
37007
Locus 5- e1
Bajío basalt
2.5yr 5/4
37555
Locus 7
Bajío basalt
37563
Locus 7
37540
Locus 5
Backed
Backed
1
Backed
Backed
30
9.2
20
14.1
25
11
17.5
25
Backed
14
44.7
30
Backed
5.5
16.4
50
16.0
42.3
70
41.2
15.7
34.5
80
33.4
14.6
28
35
34
13
36.2
30
31
55
50
7
25
5y 6/2
72
38
15
47.5
20
White chert
10y 8/2
12
20
5
2.5
Bajío basalt
2.5y 5/3
74
61
16
87.5
Key: M-rojo = Montané-Cerro Rojo.
1
Backed
1
1
1
20
Backed
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 105
1069
1
Other
atributes
106 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.16. Composite Scrapers from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Locus
Raw
Material
141
Montané
Bajío basalt
1096
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
35428
M-rojo
35428
Munsell
Color
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
Weight
(g)
Functional
angle
55.3
39.4
16
42.3
40
10yr 7/4
46.4
44.0
19.4
47.7
80
Bajío basalt
5y 7/1
45.3
30.3
12.2
17.4
50
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/1
42.8
33.9
13.6
19.2
40/50
695A
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 5/1
42.1
33.0
18.0
26.6
40-70
695B
Montané
Orange chert
7.5yr 5/6
23.2
43.1
9.5
10.2
50-40
Key: M-rojo = Montané-Cerro Rojo.
Table 5.17. Denticulated Scrapers from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Collection
or Locus
Raw Material
Munsell
Color
Made
On
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
35428
M-rojo
Pink chert
2.5y 6/1
Flake
31.0
20.0
1069
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/1
Flake
44
18
45470
Locus 5
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/4
Flake
93
45414
Locus 7
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/3
Flake
39
Thickness Weight
(mm)
(g)
6.0
Scraper
Type
24.1
End
11
10
Side
74
16
107
End
25
12
15
Side
Spur
Broken
Key: M-rojo = Montané-Cerro Rojo.
Table 5.18. Circular Scrapers from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Collection
or Locus
Raw
Material
Munsell
Color
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
35428
M-rojo
White chert
35428
M-rojo
White chert
45565
Locus 12-e1
Bajío basalt
Thickness
(mm)
2.5y 8/1
46.4
32.7
22
24.4
2.5y 8/1
44.3
41.1
12.3
22.2
10yr 6/4
51.8
45.3
14.2
31.3
Key: M-rojo = Montané-Cerro Rojo.
scrapers are part of the El Bajío collection (Table 5.18;
Fig. 5.11). All of these were made on flakes that have their
bulbs of percussion flaked away.
Notched Tools
Notched tools are artifacts that have one or more narrow concavities on their edges that have been created
using unifacial retouch. They are similar to scrapers but
have a tightly circumscribed working edge. The notches
on these tools may have been used to plane shafts of
small diameter in the manner of spoke shaves (Gramly
1990:34; Sliva 1997:43). The five notched tools in the El
Bajío collection are made on flakes (Table 5.19).
'JHVSF Circular scraper
from Locus 12 at El Bajío.
Weight
(g)
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 107
Table 5.19. Notched Tools from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Collection
or Locus
Raw
Material
Munsell
Color
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness Weight
(mm)
(g)
142
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 5/1
51
42
22
46.3
1252
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
49.7r
67
23.04
77.6
35440
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/2
65.3
54.2
18.6
63
695B
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 5/2
62
48
21
67.5
37560
Locus 7
Pink chert
10r 4/4
28
22
6
25
Spur
X
X
Table 5.20. Gravers from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Collection
or Locus
Raw Material
Munsell
Color
Length Width
(mm)
(mm)
Thickness Weight Retouch
(mm)
(g)
Boring
(mm)
Hafted
1018
Montane
Bajío basalt
10yr 6/2
37.4
30.5
10.2
12.5
Notches and retouch
flaking
17 x 10
Yes
1069
Montane
Bajío basalt
7.5yr 6/3
20.3
41.08
12.4
7.8
Retouch flaking
13 x 11
No
1031
Montane
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/4
3.1
14
15
6.5
Retouch flaking
14 x 15
Yes
695b
Montane
Bajío basalt
10yr 7/3
60
48
18
56.2
Retouch flaking
112 x 10
No
696
Montane
Bajío basalt
5y 7/2
48
34
9
16.5
Burin
Burin
Yes
1099
Montane
Bajío basalt
5y 6/3
100
45
18
Graver retouch flaking
25 x 15
No
1095
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/2
45.2
39
17.1
30
Notches and retouch
flaking
14 x 12
No
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
2.5y 8/3
67.7
46.2
17.7
38.4
Notches and retouch
flaking
3
No
35428
M-rojo
Chert, pink
2.5y 6/1
54.0
23.0
15.0
19.6
Notches (big and
massive)
14 x 13
37528
Locus 4
Bajío basalt
5y 6/1
52
30
14
24.5
Notches
15 x 11
No
Key: M-rojo = Montané-Cerro Rojo.
Gravers
BIFACIAL TECHNOLOGY
Gravers are implements used for perforation. They are
flakes that were transformed by unifacial flaking or notching to produce a sharp point. Gravers are sometimes
referred to as borers or perforators (Collins 2003:131;
Gramly 1990; Sliva 1997:44). Sliva (1997) identifies the
ethnographically documented functions of this type of
artifact for punching leather; boring wood, bone, and antler; and graving wood, bone, and antler. Nine of the 10
gravers in the El Bajío collection were made using flakes,
and one was made using a core fragment (Table 5.20). The
gravers are not uniform, and at least three of them apparently were used as hafted tools. One graver was fabricated
by removing a burin spall.
A biface is a two-sided stone tool that displays flake
scars on both sides. A profile of the final product tends
to exhibit a lenticular shape. These tools are an essential
part of the Clovis lithic technological system (Collins
2003; Gramly 1990; Huckell 2007). Bifaces undergo a
specialized production phase that is distinct from the use
phase (Andrefsky 2009:74). Six groups of bifaces from El
Bajío are discussed (Table 5.21). These include primary
bifaces (n = 16), secondary bifaces (n = 36), Clovis preforms (n = 15), Clovis points (n = 2), square based bifaces
(n = 33), bifacial gravers (n = 2) and overshot flakes (n =
2). The manufacture of projectile points is an important
part of the biface reduction at the site. However, other
108 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.21. Bifacial Industry, El Bajío
Biface Type
Montané
M-rojo
6
1
18
2
Primary
Secondary
Clovis
preforms
Locus
1
Locus
2
1
2
Locus
4
Locus
5
Locus
7
5
1
1
6
5
Clovis points
Locus
8
1
1
1
Locus
10
Locus
12
2
1
4
2
1
1
Square-base
points
14
1
3
1
9
Gravers
Isolated
Totals
2
16
2
36
2
15
1
2
5
33
2
Overshot
flakes
TOTALS
Locus
15
2
2
42
2
3
1
1
20
2
3
2
4
15
1
12
106
Key: M-rojo = Montané-Cerro Rojo.
Table 5.22. Primary Bifaces from El Bajío (all Bajío basalt)
Bag
No.
Collection
or Locus
Munsell
Patina
Color
Condition
Weight
(g)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Basal
width
(mm)
142
Montané
5y 6/2
Complete
81.5
73.3
51.5
41.3
19
1068
Montané
2.5y 7/3
Complete
50.9
68.1
45
35.2
16
1840
Montané
gley2 4/5
Complete
20.8
51.7
51.7
1840
Montané
hue2.5 6/2
Complete
43.1
66.2
46
35
18
Overshot
35429
Montané
2.5y 6/1
Complete
45.4
76.5
37.3
32.5
14.2
Overshot
695B
Montané
5y 6/2
Basal
40
43
53
33
16
35428
M-rojo
5y 5/2
Split
28.7
68.2
—
—
1.5
Overshot
35443
Isolated
5y 6/2
Basal
82.8
60.8r
57.5
41.7
2.4
Overshot
asymmetrical
37542
Isolated 12
2.5y 6/4
Basal
203
84.1r
66
52
37555
Locus 7
5y 6/2
Split
51
57
41
37538
Locus 5
2.5y 6/4
Basal
16.1
75.9r
78.9
65
20
35445
Locus 4
5y 6/1
Complete
76.5
80.5
47.1
32
21.3
35445
Locus 4
5y 6/2
Basal
93.8
58.4R
69
59.2
16.9
37528
Locus 4
gley1 3/n
Basal
67
62
60
16
—
Overshot
37529
Locus 4
5y 6/2
Basal
80.8
62.6r
51.9
40
2
Overshot
37530
Locus 4
5y 6/2
Distal
27.7
30
50
12.5
Overshot
Key: M-rojo = Montané-Cerro Rojo.
2.7
—
—
Thickness
(mm)
Retouch
Type
1.4
40.2
20
Overshot
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 109
'JHVSF Primary bifaces from El Bajío.
bifaces were made that were not related to point manufacture but were likely intended for use as knives, gravers, and other kinds of tools employed in the daily camp
activities. All of the bifaces, except for one square-based
biface, were manufactured using the local vitrified basalt.
Primary Bifaces
Following Huckell (2007:191), primary bifaces exhibit
several large expansive scars where flakes were removed
in a selective fashion. Primary bifaces are irregular in
shape and thickness, and they have a generally oval shape
with very little differentiation between the proximal and
distal ends. There are 16 primary bifaces in the El Bajío
collection, eight complete and eight fragments (Table
5.22; Fig. 5.12). Eight bifaces retain overshot flake scars.
Overshot flaking consists of removing a large single flake
that terminates near the opposite margin of the biface or
removes part of it (Huckell 2007). There is a high probability that the eight primary bifaces with overshot flaking were to be transformed into Clovis spear points. The
remaining bifaces were likely going to be transformed
into knives.
Secondary Bifaces
Secondary bifaces represent formal tools in which the
tip and the basal ends have been established. The flaking
exhibits smaller and more closely spaced scars than those
associated with primary bifaces (Huckell 2007:192). A
total of 36 secondary bifaces have been collected from El
Bajío, including six complete artifacts, 14 basal fragments,
and 16 distal fragments (Table 5.23; Fig. 5.13). All of these
artifacts have concave bases and a side configuration that
expands from the base. Eight secondary bifaces present
overshot flaking scars that create an asymmetrical ridge
'JHVSF Secondary bifaces from El Bajío;
the lower row is ready for channel flaking.
in one face, with an asymmetrical ridge on the opposite
side in the other face. It is probable that the bifaces displaying overshot flaking were going to be transformed
into Clovis points, while the rest were likely going to be
transformed into other tools. For example, one complete
biface (No. 35445) with symmetrical overshot flaking
appears to be a knife preform.
Clovis Points and Preforms
Clovis is recognized for its characteristic bifacial point,
a type defined by Wormington (1957:263). Clovis points
were undoubtedly used as spear points (Gramly 1990;
Collins 2003). More has been written about fluting of
Clovis points than any other lithic retouch techniques.
Fluting is an unusual technique that was used early in
the development of tools in North America. Fluting
probably had a practical function in thinning the base
for easier hafting, but fluting is not a necessity and in
some points fluting was carried to extremes of perfection
(Whittaker 1994:234–235). Projectile points are among
the few artifacts that were produced for a well-planned
activity; the shape must approximate a mental template
for the symmetry and the efficiency of the point (Andrefsky 2009). Seventeen Clovis preforms and Clovis points
are part of the El Bajío collection.
Bag
No.
Collection,
Locus, or
Isolate
Raw
Material
Munsell
Color
Condition
1031
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
35430
Montané
Bajío basalt
35430
Montané
1847
Weight
(g)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Basal
width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
Retouch Type
Basal
25.3
43.2
46
28
11
5y 6/1
Basal
40.4
52.6
48.7
22.4
23
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Basal
42.8
47.4
47
23.7
14
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 6/3
Basal
10.3
32.5r
34
13
695B
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 8/3
Basal
55.1
46.6r
63.8
43.6
18
695B
Montané
Chert
X
Distal
6.5
35r
26.5
27.2
6
142
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 5/1
Basal
16.2
33.7r
41.2
17.3
8
1840
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 5/1
Basal
12.3
28.7
49.9
18.7
18
197
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/2
Distal
7.7
32.5
1069
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 6/3
Distal
19.6
37.2
1069
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/4
Distal
7.5
48.3
35430
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 6/3
Medial
53.8
72.5r
44
__
12
1847
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Distal
28.1
46.6
41.5
__
16
695B
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 6/3
Distal
42.7
55.8r
46.4
16
139
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/3
Distal
13.1
39.5
37.5r
7.8
140
Montané
Bajío basalt
2.5y5/1
Distal
46.1
60.5
49.5
__
12
Overshot
asymmetrical
35430
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 6/3
Medial
48.6
56.3r
48
__
12
Overshot
asymmetrical
35430
Montané
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Basal
15.9
28.7r
48.5
11
Overshot and
basal thinning
35428
M-rojo
Bajío basalt
2.5y7/3
Distal
22.5
55r
35
1096
M-rojo
Chert red
10r 4/6
Complete
9.5
28
29
Overshot
Overshot
8
Overshot
asymmetrical
6
$50
__
x
11
6
22.5
__
12
8
Overshot
asymmetrical
Oovershot
asymmetrical
110 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.23. Secondary Bifaces from El Bajío
Table 5.23. (continued)
Bag
No.
Collection,
Locus, or
Isolate
Raw
Material
Munsell
Color
Condition
Weight
(g)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
37542
Isolate 12
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
37542
Isolate 12
Bajío basalt
45566
Locus 12ele2
45567
Basal
42.4
45.5r
50
gley24/5B
Basal
19.2
30.5
36.5
Bajío basalt
5y 5/1
Distal
23.7
49
35
Locus 12ele2
Bajío basalt
5y 4/1
Distal
7
41
27
7
45571
Locus 12ele2
Bajío basalt
2.5y 6/2
Distal
25
51
40
12
45575
Locus 12ele2
Bajío basalt
Distal
6
33r
25
6
37670
Locus 10
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Basal
73.8
78
52
37574
Locus 10
Bajío basalt
2.5y 7/3
Split
98
38
25
37558
Locus 7
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Medial
7.1
50
17
6
35445
Locus 4
Bajío basalt
5y 5/1
Complete
83.7
112
45
35.5
13
Overshot
symmetrical
35445
Locus 4
Bajío basalt
5y 5/1
Basal
35.4
49.5r
48.6
18.2
10
Overshot
asymmetrical
35445
Locus 4
Bajío basalt
2.5Y 6/3
Basal
25.3
38.5
43
29.5
14
37624
Locus 4
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Complete
62.5
68
54
17
Overshot
asymmetrical
37634
Locus 4
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Complete
43
53
41
14
Overshot
asymmetrical
37632
Locus 4
Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Split
38.5
66
36
28
14
Overshot
asymmetrical
37516
Locus 2
Bajío basalt
X
Basal
27.8
40.3
42
26.6
13
Thickness
(mm)
Retouch Type
14
15
Overshot
asymmetrical
23.5
13
No
13
35
12
Overshot
asymmetrical
Overshot
asymmetrical
Overshot
Overshot
asymmetrical
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 111
Key: M-rojo = Montané-Cerro Rojo.
114
Basal
width
(mm)
112 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.24. Clovis Preform Attributes, El Bajío Collection
Bag
No.
Collection, Bajío Basalt Condition
Locus, or
Patina Color
Isolate
(Munsell)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Basal
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
Retouch Type
Flute
Length
(mm)
Flute
Width
(mm)
695B
Montané
gley2 3/10b
Basal
30.5r
42.3
33.7
11.5
Basal fluting,
overshot
28.5
16.5
695A
Montané
2.5y 7/4
Basal
50r
50.5
30
14.7
Basal fluting both
sites, overshot
31/38
17.5/19
37667
Isolate 9
2.5y 6/4
Basal
47.3
36
24
10
Basalt fluting,
overshot
20
16
35449
Isolate
5y 7/1
Basal
55.7
56.9
20.2
13.8
Basalt fluting,
overshot
55
25.3
35086
Isolate
2.5y 4/1
Basal
63r
42.3
30
12
Basalt fluting ,
overshot
43
21
37819
Locus 15
5y 6/1
Basal
37.4
49.2
22.3
18.9
Basal fluting
33.5
15.5
37668
Locus 10
2.5y 6/3
Distal
45
32
10
Basal fluting
43
20
45313
Locus 10
10yr 6/3
Medial
43
30
12
Basal fluting
38
18
37566
Locus 8
5y 6/3
Basal
52
36.7
31.4
37559
Locus 7
5y 5/2
Basal
41
46
46
37740
Locus 5
5y 7/2
Medial
34
39
35075
Locus 4
5y 5/2
Basal
51r
40
35086
Locus 4
2.5y 5/1
Basal
49r
35086
Locus 4
2.5y 6/2
Basal
35086
Locus 4
2.5y 7/2
Basal
8.8
Basalt fluting ,
overshot
25.5/30
16
19.6/14.4
12
Basal fluting,
overshot
10
Basal fluting
37.2
11
Basal fluting both
sides, overshot
41
28.1
11.5
Basal fluting,
overshot
38
18.2
41r
41
26
7.5
Basal fluting both
sides, overshot
38/36
25/18
73.4r
55
44
13.2
Basalt fluting
67
28
30/39.1
21
26/24
Clovis Preforms
Clovis Points
Fifteen Clovis preforms that were broken or discarded
during the manufacture are included in the El Bajío collection (Table 5.24; Figs. 5.14 and 5.15). All have convex
bases and sides that expand from the base. Ten of the
Clovis preforms have an asymmetric overshot pattern
that forms an unbalanced ridge on one or both faces of
the artifact. They exhibit basal fluting early in the manufacturing process with the purpose of thinning the biface.
Early fluting has been seen in collections from other sites
but it was extensively used at El Bajío.
Measurements were obtained for two Clovis points from
El Bajío (Table 5.25). One finished Clovis base was found
at El Bajío in 2003 (Fig. 5.16); another complete Clovis
point was documented at the Museo Municipal de Carbó
(Fig. 5.17). At least a dozen more Clovis points have been
collected at the site. All the Clovis points collected at El
Bajío were manufactured using El Bajío basalt, with the
exception of one Clovis base collected by Julio Motané
that was made using obsidian.
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 113
'JHVSF Clovis preforms with
channel flutes from El Bajío.
The complete Clovis point at the Carbó Museum has
small fluting on both sides, and grinding at the base and
sides (Fig. 5.18). This point, produced using El Bajío
basalt, does not exhibit the characteristic patina seen
on all the other artifacts at El Bajío. The collector of
the point has been deceased for more than 15 years and
nobody knows the provenience of the point.
Square-Based Bifaces
Thirty-three lanceolate or triangular, square-based bifaces
were collected at El Bajío (Table 5.26). They have sharp
'JHVSF Drawings of the Clovis preforms
d, e, and f illustrated in Figure 5.14.
Table 5.25. Clovis Points from El Bajío
Bag
No.
37628
Carbo
Locus
4
Bajío basalt
patina color
(Munsell)
Condition
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Basal
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
gley1 4/
10b
Basal
fragment
30.8
38.7
23.5
7
2.5y 7/3
Complete
88
29
27
7
Flute
Length
(mm)
Flute
Width
(mm)
Flaking
type
Grinding
22.5/22.5 13.2/13.1
Fine
retouch
Basal and
lateral
20/22
Small
channel
flake
Basal and
lateral
10/8
114 r $IBQUFS
'JHVSF Clovis base found
at El Bajío in 2003.
'JHVSF Square-based bifaces
excavated at Locus 12 at El Bajío.
'JHVSF Clovis point from El Bajío
at the Museo Municipal de Carbó.
corners and more-or-less straight sides (Figs. 5.18 and
5.19). A Clovis-like reduction process was carried out to
manufacture these square-based bifaces. The blade of the
biface was reduced by overshot flaking to facilitate hafting
of the tool, and several channel-like flakes were removed
from the base of the tool. The square-based bifaces from
El Bajío are comparable to Plainview points; however,
overshot flaking and use of direct percussion for reduction of the bifaces appear to indicate that these artifacts
are more likely correlated with a Clovis technology.
'JHVSF Drawings of square-based
bifaces from Locus 12 at El Bajío.
Table 5.26. Square-based Points and Knives from El Bajío
Collection,
Locus, or
Isolate
Bajío Basalt
Patina Color
(Munsell)
Condition
Width
(mm)
Basal
width
(mm)
1280
Montané
2.5y 6/2
Basal
1840
Montané
2.5 5/3
Complete
64.8r
35431
Montané
gley2 3/10b
Basal
46.5
695A
Montané
5y 6/1
Basal
139
Montané
gely1 3/n
139
Montané
139
Thickness Retouch Type
(mm)
X
X
43
9.3
36
36
8
Overshot asymmetrical
X
37.5
5.5
Overshot asymmetrical
23.6r
44
34.4
Basal
31.8r
35
41
9
gley2 4/10bg
Basal
40.3
27.6
34.3
6.4
Montané
gley1 4/5gy
Basal
34
39
33
139
Montané
Rhyolite
Basal
39
29.8
1831
Montané
gley1 6/10gy
Basal
28.7r
1831
Montané
5y 6/2
Basal
1831
Montané
Chert
695B
Montané
139
Flute
Length
(mm)
22
Flute
width
(mm)
11
X
X
Fluting both side,
overshot
26/25
18/20
Fluting and overshot
21
15
6
Fluting and overshot
27.5
16.6
28
9.1
Bifacial thinning
X
X
29.6
28
16.4
27r
19.5
22
4.8
Bifacial thinning
Basal
42.3r
32
31
8.4
Fluting and overshot
gley1 3/10gy
Basal
45.5
38.6
33
11.5
Montané
gley2 3/10b
Basal
41.3r
40.4
X
7
Fluting 2 faces
695B
Montané
gley2 3/10bg
Basal
39.3
30
34.4
8
37681
Isolate 14
gley2 5/10g
Basal
38.2r
34
41
35449
Isolate
gley25/10bc
Basal
36.5
37.5
34.6
37693
Isolate
5y 6/2
Basal
4.7r
3.1
3.1
37843
Isolate
gley1 4/5y
Basal
36.5
X
42
7
Fluting
37917
Isolate
5y 6/2
Basal
42
X
39
7.5
Overshot, basal/lateral
grinding
13
Fluting and overshot
14
14
17.3
20
X
X
27/26.5
12/13
Fluting 2 faces overshot
15/16
13/12
7
Fluting and overshot
asymmetrical
24
12.3
8
Overshot
X
X
1.12
15
18
continued
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 115
Length
(mm)
Bag
No.
Bag
No.
Collection,
Locus, or
Isolate
Bajío Basalt
Patina Color
(Munsell)
Condition
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Basal
width
(mm)
Thickness Retouch Type
(mm)
45541
Locus 12e1
5y 4/2
Basal
40
38
8
37962
Locus 12e1
5y 4/2
Distal
41
30
7
2 fragments
m15-m16
Locus 12e1
5y 4/2
Complete
71
30
32
7
2 fragments
m15-18
Locus 12e1
5y 4/2
Complete
64
26
26
3 fragments
in m16
Locus12e1
5y 4/2
Complete
48
24
24
45549
Locus 12e1
5y 4/1
Distal
41r
29
45545
Locus 12e1
5y 4/1
Basal
51
43
45548
Locus 12e1
5y 4/1
Basal
16r
45551
Locus 12e1
5y 5/2
Basal
37569
Locus 8
gley1 3/10gy
35445
Locus 4
37632
Overshot asymmetrical
Flute
Length
(mm)
Flute
width
(mm)
No
No
No
Fluting and overshot
asymmetrical
17/21
11/14
7
Fluting and overshot
asymmetrical
13
5
Overshot asymmetrical
7
Overshot
36
11
Overshot
20
24
38
34
8
Fluting and overshot
14
9
40r
43
48
8
Fluting and overshot
18
22
Basal
41.5r
41.4
37.2
9
5 flakes forming the
fluting
21.4
17
gley2 3/10b
Basal
21.5
X
42
8.1
Fluting
X
20
Locus 4
gley1 4/n
Basal
40r
38
37636
Locus 4
5y 5/2
Complete
50
30
37504
Locus 1
gley2 4/5bg
Basal
3.4
10
30
7
33
5
No
Overshot
Several flakes make
the fluting
18/19
11
No
116 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.26. (continued)
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 117
In six examples the sides sharply contract toward
the tip, making a triangular-shaped point. Five bifacess
exhibit straight sides with equivalent base and maximal
widths. Eleven bifaces have sides that expand from the
base. Some square-based bifaces are broken in a transverse angle that appears to indicate that at least some of
them were not hafted and probably were used as knives
rather than projectile points. Two of the bifaces have
grinding on the base and sides. A comparison of the
basal width and the maximum width of the specimens
indicates that only five tools have a wider base than the
maximum width of the shaft. The rest of the bifaces
exhibit parallel sides and bases similar to Clovis points.
Square-based points and knives are not part of the traditional Clovis lithic repertoire; however, at El Bajío these
artifacts seem to be related to Clovis technology. James
Warnica (1966:249) reported three similar square-based
points from gray sands that he attributed to Clovis.
Locus 12 at El Bajío is a tool-making station that was
partially excavated in 2009. The people who used this
work area specialized in producing lanceolate square-base
bifaces. Nine of these artifacts were recovered, including
four complete bifaces and five fragments. Thirty biface
fragments that may be refitted in the future, and 4,000
retouched flakes, were also recovered at this locus.
Bifacial Drills
Two bifacially retouched drills were collected at El
Bajío. Both drills were found in Feature 2 at Locus 12.
They appear to have been made from flakes that were
byproducts of the manufacturing process of the square
base bifaces. The two examples have a central drill 20
mm long and it is likely that they were hafted (Fig. 5.20).
'JHVSF Bifacial drills from El Bajío.
Table 5.27. Overshot Flakes from
the Montané Collection
Bag
No.
Raw Material
(Munsell
Color)
695B
Bajío basalt
(2.5y 5/2)
695B
Bajío basalt
(5y 5/2)
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
Weight
(g)
49
28
7
8
48
48
8
19
Overshot Flakes
Two overshot flakes were found in the Montané collection (Table 5.27; Fig. 5.21). They are flakes with a step termination. On the exterior faces there are long scars with
an asymmetrical ridge consistent with overshot flaking.
MISCELLANEOUS CORES AND CORE-TOOLS
Eleven miscellaneous cores of probable Paleoindian
association were collected from El Bajío (Table 5.28).
Compared with the other three industries, these micellanous cores represent a more informal tool-making
process. Three single platform nuclei, three multiple
platform cores, two bifacial cores, two core fragments,
and one single platform core converted into a plane are
'JHVSF Overshot flakes from the Montane collection.
118 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.28. Miscellaneous Nuclei from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Collection,
Locus, or
Isolate
Raw Material
Munsell
Color
Lithic Class
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
1031
Montané
White chert
2.5y 7/1
695A
Montané
Brown chert
1069
Montané
35441
Thickness Weight
(mm)
(g)
Core fragment
38
18
13
12.5
10yr 4/3
Multiple-platform core
45
40
18
45
El Bajío basalt
2.5y 5/3
Single platform core
80
64
33
176.5
Montané
El Bajío basalt
5y 6/3
Bifacial core
50
64
20
81
140
Montané
El Bajío basalt
5y 5/3
Multiple-platform core
84
46
25
109.4
140
Montané
El Bajío basalt
5y 5/3
Multiple-platform core
63
42
20
70.3
37682
Isolate 14
El Bajío basalt
2.5y 5/1
Single platform core
62
58
41
151.6
37542
Isolate 12
El Bajío basalt
5y 6/2
Single platform core
74
61
28
210
45416
Locus 7
Red chert
5yr 5/3
Bifacial core with one spur*
38
33
15
18.5
37549
Locus 6
Black chert
5y 4/1
Core fragment
31
18
13
6
45505
7
El Bajío basalt
2.5y 5/2
Plain core
50
58
33
568
Note: * Same pink chert as found at Fin del Mundo.
Table 5.29. Hammers and Abraders from El Bajío
Bag
No.
Locus or
Isolate
Raw Material
Artifact Type
Length
(mm)
Width
(mm)
Thickness
(mm)
Weight
(g)
37541
Isolate 2
Granite
Hammer and abrader
68
56
31
167.5
37548
Locus 6
Quartz crystal
Hammer and abrader
83
79
47
305.5
37550
Locus 6
Dense basalt
Hammer
74
63
37
293
37545
Locus 6
Lutite
Hammer and abrader
73r
4
45552
Locus 12- ele 1
Rhyolite
Abrader fragment
61r
147.5
28
60
including in the assemblage. Three of the cores are chert,
the rest are El Bajío basalt. Flakes obtained from these
nuclei were transformed into scrapers and another tools.
One exhausted bifacial core that was transformed into
a graver tool was made on the same distinctive pinkish
chert used to make an end scraper and blade found at
Fin del Mundo.
HAMMERS AND ABRADERS
At the Cerro de la Vuelta quarry (Locus 22) many hammers and abraders were observed but they were not collected. However, five hammers and abraders were collected from Locus 6 and Locus 12, and one was collected
'JHVSF Hammers from the Cerro de la Vuelta quarry.
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 119
from an isolated context (Table 5.29; Fig. 5.22) Tool making was an important activity at Loci 6 and 12, where
there are at least two knapping stations. Three tools
combined a hammer and an abrader.
SONORAN CLOVIS LITHIC TECHNOLOGICAL
ORGANIZATION
The manner in which toolmakers and tool users organized their lives and activities with regard to lithic technology was observed at El Bajío. The only large quarry of
fine lithic materials known in Sonora is located at Cerro
de la Vuelta, which is part of the El Bajío site complex.
However, cobbles from arroyos and cores from small
sources of material suitable for making tools are distributed all over Sonora. The restricted size and quality of
the raw material from these sources constrain the kinds
of artifacts that can be manufactured. At large sources
of raw material, the toolmaker has more freedom in the
design of the artifacts, and the shapes made are consequently more uniform. If mobile human groups found
a large source of lithic raw material, they probably
made this resource an important part of their exploitation strategy. More work needs to be carried out at El
Bajío, and more intact archaeological contexts need to
be located. Nonetheless, based upon the analysis of the
stone tool assemblage, I propose some preliminary inferences regarding the Clovis lithic technological process,
the activities carried out at the site, the land use of the
Sonoran Clovis groups, and the relationship between the
Clovis assemblage from Sonora and other regions.
Site Localities and Specialized Activity Areas
To date, Julio Montané has collected the greatest number
of artifacts at El Bajío. Unfortunately the provenience
of the artifacts he collected is mostly unknown, with
the exception of his collection made at the north side of
Cerro Rojo, or Cuarzo. Artifacts from that provenience
were bagged together. In 2003, we documented Clovis
artifacts at 10 loci, although most of the Clovis artifacts
came from six of these areas (Loci 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 12; see
Fig. 4.3). There were differences in the types of artifacts
found at different loci (Table 5.30). The Cerro Rojo Locus
appears to be a specialized area of hide and woodworking; 26 scrapers were concentrated in this area. Nine
end scrapers, seven side scrapers, denticulate tools, and
circular scrapers were found at that locus. The scrapers
at Cerro Rojo were used and curated, and the locality
appears to have been a special activity area unrelated to
tool manufacture.
A distributional pattern was observed in the artifacts
found at Loci 4, 5, and 6, which are close to each other..
Locus 4 contained many bifacial tools; in the northern
area of the locus three secondary bifaces were found
together. These three bifaces were probably cached or
stored. Bifaces were produced and used in Locus 4. Loci
5 and 6 showed a specialization in blade production;
five blade cores were collected at these loci, as well as 13
blades. Feature 1 at Locus 6 was a concentration of artifacts in a 3-m by 6-m area. Sub-angular blocks at Locus 6
were brought from the quarry. Core fragments and flakes
for the preparation of blade cores and blades, as well as at
least five finished blades, were present at Locus 6.
Locus 7 appears to have been a campsite where daily
activities were carried out. Ten blades were recovered
from the locus, all of which have use-wear damage. End
scrapers on blades were also present at Locus 7, as well
as bifacial tools. Clovis artifacts were well preserved at
the locus and apparently were recently exposed. Further
investigations need to be carried out at this locality.
Locus 10 also appears to have been a campsite. Ten
blades and two end scrapers were collected at the locus.
These artifacts had been damaged by animal trampling.
Granite bedrock is exposed on the surface of Locus 10 so
it will be difficult to find intact deposits at this locality.
Apparently, the Clovis points collected by Manuel Robles
were obtained from this locus (Julio Montané, personal
communication 2003).
Locus 12 was a specialized activity area where El Bajío
square-based points were produced. This workshop is
located within a 5-m by 3-m area containing nine squarebase bifaces, 20 biface fragments, and 4,000 bifacial thinning flakes.
Based upon the distribution and types of the lithic
artifacts at El Bajío, it is possible to propose that the site
was more than just a quarry for tool making. Although
tool making was the principal and most important activity at the site, there were also a series of campsites at
El Bajío where various activities were carried out. The
artifacts from the campsites show evidence of abundant
use and curation. Many of the artifacts were modified
and converted into other tools with additional functions such as gravers or notchers. More studies at El
Bajío are necessary to understand this complex site and
learn more about the forager strategies of Clovis groups
in Sonora.
Artifact Type
Primary bifaces
Secundary bifaces
Clovis preforms
Montané M-Cuarzo Locus Locus Locus Locus Locus Locus Locus Locus Locus Locus
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
10
12
15
6
1
18
2
5
1
2
Square base bifaces and points
1
6
5
Clovis points
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
14
1
3
1
9
Total
2
16
2
36
2
15
1
2
5
33
2
Conical cores
1
1
Core tablet flakes
4
1
Wedge-shaped cores
5
1
Crested blades
5
Primary cortex blades
9
1
12
3
2
Blades with two subparalel blade scars
18
3
5
1
1
1
2
3
8
6
1
1
Platform mantenance flakes
4
1
2
9
Side scrapers
19
7
Composite scrapers
3
3
Denticulates
1
1
1
Gravers
6
3
1
Notched tools
4
1
Circular scrapers
2
9
1
4
9
3
2
14
3
2
Blade core error recovery flakes
End scrapers
2
5
1
Blades with one sub-paralel blade scars
1
1
1
3
12
22
1
4
49
2
6
7
1
2
2
32
1
4
10
5
2
1
3
3
1
1
2
148
30
6
Hammers
TOTAL
1
1
Gravers
Overshot flakes
4
Isolated
5
2
29
1
1
27
18
14
25
3
16
19
1
21
323
120 r $IBQUFS
Table 5.30. Distribution of Clovis-era Artifacts Found at El Bajío
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 121
'JHVSF Percentage of raw materials used in tool assemblage at El Bajío.
Sonoran Clovis Foragers Group Interactions
and Land-Use
The lithic technological organization of Paleoindian sites
in Sonora provides insight into the interaction between
human groups and the use of land by the first occupants
of the region. Less than 2 percent of the artifacts at El
Bajío were made from raw material other than El Bajío
basalt. Twenty-eight percent of the unifacially flaked end
scrapers and side scrapers were manufactured using various chalcedonies or cherts; however, only 3 percent of
the bifacial tools and 6 percent of the blades were manufactured using non-local raw material, mostly chert (Fig.
5.23). Because El Bajío is a quarry that produced stone
to make all types of tools, I suggest that the artifacts
made using non-local raw material indicate interactions
between hunter-gatherer groups.
A regional survey focused on lithology is needed
to guide research investigating interactions among the
occupants of different sites. In looking at a geological
map of the region, it is evident that raw materials are
concentrated in discrete locations. El Bajío basalt is distributed close to the El Bajío site; two sources of rhyolite
are located close to Fin del Mundo, and a basalt source
is located close to SON N:11:20. South of El Bajío in
the mountains between the Río San Miguel valley and
the Río Zanjón alluvial plain, there is a complex array
of fissures contain metamorphic materials of different
ages. Between El Bajío and Fin del Mundo, there is a
concentration of old limestone, where chalcedony and
chert might have been found.
Five different kinds of cherts, identified at a macroscopic level, were used to manufacture scrapers at El
Bajío. Four of these cherts were also used to produce
four artifacts at Fin del Mundo. The use of the same raw
materials in tools at El Bajío and Fin del Mundo appears
to indicate that forager groups interacted in communal
activities where scrapers were exchanged.
It is odd that the raw materials for manufacturing
Clovis points and bifacial tools are not shared between
the sites. At Fin del Mundo, the majority of bifaces were
made of rhyolite, and the Clovis points are made using
chert, quartz crystal and quartzite. We have yet to find a
biface at Fin del Mundo that was manufactured using El
Bajío basalt. All the bifaces, Clovis points, and preforms
at El Bajío were made using the local basalt. According to
Andrefsky (2009:69), projectile points have discrete production and use phases; they are the only tools that have
to be made with precision. The shape and technological
122 r $IBQUFS
characteristics of points determine the efficiency of the
projectiles. It is possible that each hunter made their own
projectile points in order to control all the attributes for
better success during hunting.
TECHNOLOGICAL INFERENCES AND
COMPARISONS WITH OTHER CLOVIS INDUSTRY
Three major Clovis industries were distinguished at El
Bajío: (1) a blade industry (n = 122 artifacts); (2) a biface
industry (n = 104 artifacts); and (3) a uniface industry
(n = 90 artifacts). A small, informal core-flake industry
may be related to the uniface industry (n = 10 artifacts).
Biface Industry
According to Collins (1999:45), biface production was
ubiquitous and remarkably uniform over the entire
continent during the Clovis period. The El Bajío site fits
into this pattern. A comparison of the width of primary
bifaces, secondary bifaces, and Clovis preforms indicates
that primary bifaces were transformed into Clovis preforms and secondary bifaces that served as blanks for
additional types of tools. The secondary bifaces were
reduced by removing broad extensive flakes and overshot flakes; bifacial flake removal was performed in a
serial fashion. Once the knapper established an appropriate lateral and longitudinal cross section, the fluting
began (Crabtree 1966; Huckell 2007). Channel flakes
were obtained by creating small platforms in the basal
edge by making a straight, beveled edge or by making
a small platform or nipple. The El Bajío bifacial industry is comparable to that of other Clovis sites, including
Adams, Murray Springs and Gault.
There is a unique projectile point or knife form at El
Bajío. These are the square-based points that are lanceolate to triangular in shape and retouched in the same
manner as Clovis points with overshot flaking. Twentyfour of the square-based points have sharp straight corners, and on five of them both sides contract towards the
tip. It is possible that five square-based bifaces represent
knives instead of projectiles, but the remainder appear
to be projectile points. Although we do not know if the
square-based points are contemporaneous with Clovis
points, they have also been reported by James Warnica
(1966:249) in association with Pleistocene-age gray sands
at a Clovis site. There is a possibility that the squarebased points may be late Paleoindian in age.
In contrast to the square-based points, Clovis preforms at El Bajío have convex bases. A convex base is
fundamental for fluting and it is common at the Gault
site (Dickens 2007). The square-based points at El Bajío
never had a convex base, and early in their manufacturing process the base was plain with straight and sharp
corners. The base was thinned by removing three or four
small flutes, so a concave base was unnecessary. Squarebased points have been recovered from several sites in
Sonora. At Fin del Mundo, four square-based points
were made using rhyolite.
Blade Industry
The basalt at the Bajío quarry occurs in sub-angular
blocks that naturally contain acute angles and ridges that
make the preparation of blade cores easier. The Paleoindian tool makers at El Bajío prepared cores by removing
crested blades and forming ridges. Multifaceted platforms were the most common way to prepare the cores.
The longest complete blade is 135 mm; however, there
are blade fragments about 108 mm long in the collection that most likely were derived from blades of about
200 mm in length. An assessment of the three types of
blades—cortical, non-cortical and prismatic—revealed
that they are part of the same reduction process. The
cortical blades are longer and wider, while the tabular
or prismatic blades are shorter and slimmer. Nine of the
23 prismatic blades have the curvature typical of Clovis
blades. One third of the blades from El Bajío are fragments that exhibit heavy patina in the broken ends. This
suggests that they were broken during use. Some blades
were used without any further modification, and some
were transformed into end scrapers.
Blade technology is an important part of the Clovis
contexts at several sites in North America. True blades
have never been found in association with Folsom or
other late Paleoindian assemblages; for that time period
they are considered to be unique to Clovis technology
(Collins 1999a). At Murray Springs, Arizona, Huckell
(2007:205) reported 13 blades. Most of the blades at
Murray Springs presented a prepared platform, and they
were unifacially retouched. From Blackwater Draw, New
Mexico, Green (1963) reported 17 blades, presumably
part of a cache at the site. At the Adams Site in Kentucky, Sanders (1990) reports 2,000 blades, as well as
conical and wedge-shaped cores. The Gulf Coastal Plain
in Central Texas is the region with the highest number
of reported Clovis blade artifacts. The Gault, Pavo Real,
Kincaid, and Keven Davis Cache sites contained Clovis
blades, conical and wedge-shape cores, core tablets, and
other lithics associated with blade making technology
$MPWJT-JUIJD5FDIOPMPHZBU&M#BKÎP r 123
(Collins 1999a, 2003; Hester 2003). At the El Bajío Clovis
site, all of the various types of artifacts associated with
blade technology have been found. El Bajío represents
the most important locality outside of central Texas with
evidence of Clovis blade technology.
End Scrapers
In the Sonoran collection, end scrapers are considered to
be a significant diagnostic Paleoindian tool, one that is
important to understanding the interactions among Clovis groups. Twenty-five percent of the scrapers at El Bajío
are made of fine non-local materials that were also used
at other sites. The artifacts collected by Julio Montané at
the north end of Cerro Rojo appear to indicate that the
area was a locality where specialized activities related to
hide and woodworking took place.
End scrapers have been found associated with Clovis assemblages, as well with later Paleoindian sites that
include Folsom, Plainview, and Dalton contexts. At El
Bajío, late Paleoindian assemblages have not been identified. Approximately half of the end scrapers were made
on Clovis prismatic blades, making them quite distinctive. The end scrapers from El Bajío are similar to those
found at Murray Springs in Arizona, Fin del Mundo in
Sonora, and Pavo Real in Texas.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
The lithic technological organization at El Bajío indicates
that the Cerro de la Vuelta quarry was the most important landmark in the region for Clovis groups. The quarry
produces sub-angular blocks that are easy to reduce, and
the high-quality vitrified basalt from the quarry is good
for tool making. At present, Cerro de la Vuelta is the only
known large quarry of fine materials in Sonora. Its importance is reflected by the numerous campsites and workshops that occur in the area up to 4 km from the quarry.
At El Bajío blades were manufactured using conical cores and wedge-shaped cores. The blade industry
is thus comparable to the Pavo Real, Gault, and Adams
sites, all of which are quarry sites. The blades at El Bajío
are comparable to the blades found at Murray Springs
because many of them were modified into end and lateral
scrapers. The Clovis preforms with long and deep flutes
made in the early stages of the manufacturing process
appear to be a local technological marker of the El Bajío
tool industry. This attribute is not exclusive, however; it
also occurs at the Adams site in Kentucky, where early
fluting is common. Early fluting may be related to the
hardness of the raw material, but experiments are needed
to confirm this hypothesis. It is also possible that more
early fluting is found at quarries than other sites because
the bifaces were discarded at the site, making them more
visible to archaeologists.
There is no doubt that the El Bajío artifact collection
is one of the most important Clovis assemblages in western North America. Future research in Sonora, including
intrasite investigations, regional studies that investigate
the relationship between sites, and experiments pertaining to lithic technology, will greatly contribute to our
knowledge of the Late Pleistocene Clovis occupation of
the continent.
CHAPTER SIX
Defining the Late Pleistocene
Clovis Occupation in Sonora
T
he archaeological record of the Late Pleistocene
occupation of Mexico is poorly known and somewhat confusing. This makes it difficult to propose a
model for the human colonization of Mexico. The only
two secure dates of Pleistocene age that we have in Mexico outside of Sonora are the human skeleton from El
Peñon III, which has been radiocarbon dated at 10,755 ±
75 B.P. (OxA-10112), and the Tlapacoya skeleton, which
has been dated at 10,200 ± 65 B.P. (OxA-10113) (Gonzalez and others 2003:381; Gonzalez, Jiménez, and others
2006:69). These dates suggest that at least a few people
were in the Basin of Mexico 12,000 years ago. Tracking
diagnostic artifacts of Pleistocene age—Clovis, Folsom,
and Plainview—into Mexico is a difficult task because
only the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja California,
Hidalgo, Jalisco, and Nuevo León have more than four
projectile points affiliated with Paleoindian times.
Sonora presents a remarkably pristine setting for
studying the late Pleistocene occupation of North
America and Mexico. The early archaeological record is
stunning in terms of its relative abundance of Paleoindian remains. The investigations carried out in the past
10 years demonstrate the quantity and extent of Pleistocene archaeological materials. Rapidly deflating surfaces,
due in part to overgrazing, might be one reason that
these sites are extraordinarily visible. Nevertheless, the
Sonoran landscape, along with the essential resources
required by Paleoindian groups to succeed, contributed
to making this region an attractive place for pioneering
human groups.
Based upon current research presented in this monograph, I offer propositions for defining the Late Pleistocene Clovis occupation of Sonora. Clovis land use
patterns, subsistence strategies, organization of labor,
chronology, and social interaction and integration are
reviewed in this final chapter.
LAND-USE PATTERNS
One of the most startling aspects of Clovis culture is
its extensive geographic distribution, which covers all
of North America south of the Continental ice sheets
(G. Haynes 2002; Tankersley 2004; Willig 1991). The general style and technological attributes of Clovis projectile
points are consistent over all the areas where they appear.
The ubiquity of Clovis has been explained as a trait
dispersed by humans as they migrated through North
America (Anderson 1991, 1996; Fiedel 2004; Goebel and
others 2008; G. Haynes 2002; Kelly 1996; Kelly and Todd
1988; Martin 1973; Meltzer 2002, 2004).
Two models have been proposed to explain the geographical extent of Clovis. The “high-technology forager” model (Kelly 1996; Kelly and Todd 1988) assumes
that Clovis people migrated into an unpopulated country
through the ice-free corridor in western Canada, preadapted with the necessary skills and tools to hunt large
Pleistocene mammals (Kelly and Todd 1988). Under
pressure from a rapidly changing environment, the
Clovis predisposition for hunting allowed small groups
to quickly move across the land, following familiar
resources and avoiding setbacks caused by diminished
local food sources and patchiness (Kelly 1996).
The “staging-area” model (Anderson 1991, 1996)
explains the spread of Clovis technology by means of
human migrations—but at a much slower pace than the
high-technology model. According to Anderson (2005,
2013), resource-rich locations became staging areas
where discrete populations concentrated activities and
[124]
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settled for years or even generations, periods much longer than that predicted by the high-technology model.
The archaeological Clovis record of Sonora supports the “staging-area” model. The majority of Clovis
points from Sonoran sites were made using local raw
material sources of varied quality. Clovis points are not
easy to manufacture, and the quality of raw material is
fundamental for the toolmakers. The use of local raw
materials may indicate that Clovis groups stayed at sites
for long periods of times, or that they visited the same
sites recurrently as a part of their land-use strategy. Periodic or annual visits enabled Clovis people to explore
and test the lithic sources for tool making, and come to
know which rocks were good for making Clovis points
and artifacts.
The Clovis groups that inhabited the Llanos de Hermosillo and surrounding areas exploited an extensive
territory of approximately 25,000 square kilometers over
a diverse landscape that included the Central Gulf Coast,
Lower Colorado River valley, and Plains of Sonora. The
central Gulf Coast and the Llanos de Hermosillo constitute a low-lying land with occasional mountains peaks
(between 20 to 100 m above sea level. During the Pleistocene, extensive but shallow playas and lakes formed
intermittently during the year. In the river valleys, cienegas formed near the alluvial fans. The semipermanent
water supply supported a variety of plants and animals.
The weather in the Sonoran Desert at the end of the
Pleistocene was warm and humid in the winter, and
cool and wet in the summer, Along the coastal plains,
the characteristic plant community was probably chaparral with yucca. The characteristic plant community in
the interior valleys and bajadas was pinyon pines, junipers and oaks, along with a series of grasses, agaves, and
prickly pears (Van Devender 2007).
Extensive Clovis campsites, hunting areas, stone procurement areas, and wild resources indicate that the territory was used repeatedly. Clovis economic strategies
were organized in a large and pristine landscape that
contained a great variety of animals and plants. Our
investigations suggest that Clovis people had a sophisticated knowledge of the region that allowed them to use
a variety of raw materials for tool making, including different sources of chert, quartzite, quartz crystal, rhyolite,
obsidian, and basalt.
Our research revealed 12 sites that were used by different Clovis groups. El Bajío appears to have been an
important locality situated at the edge of the Llanos de
Hermosillo and the Río San Miguel valley, a natural
north-south corridor. Our investigations suggest that
Cerro de la Vuelta, part of the El Bajío site complex, was
the most important and extensively used source of lithic
material in the region. Access to suitable raw material for
tool making is an essential resource for hunter-gatherers,
and can determine mobility strategies unrelated to food
procurement. At El Bajío, family groups congregated
predominantly for tool making activities, but the extensive camp areas and localities containing only one type
of artifact appear to indicate that other specific activities
were also carried out at the site, including the manufacture of clothing and shoes.
Fin del Mundo, in the Bacoachi Basin north of the
Llanos de Hermosillo, is in an area with an important
source of subsurface water that formed seasonal cienegas.
These cienegas would have attracted many animals—an
ideal place for hunting. Clovis people also used the lithic
sources available at and nearby the site.
SON O:3:1, located in the southeastern corner of the
Llanos de Hermosillo, is composed by two camp areas.
It is probable that, during the Pleistocene, several springfed cienegas existed at this site. The cienegas supported
open grasslands where proboscideans and other big
mammals ranged. Although one or two artifacts made
from El Bajío basalt were found at SON O:3:1, most of the
artifacts were made using local stone found in arroyos
and other nearby small sources.
We documented two Clovis sites in the Llanos de Hermosillo, SON N:11:20 and SON J:16:8. These sites appear
to be hunting localities. They contain only broken and
worn-out Clovis projectile points, and no camp sites
have been found at them. The fundamental resources
for hunter-gatherer groups, which are permanent water
and lithic raw material for tool making, are indispensable
in a given territory. The Llanos de Hermosillo and surrounding areas offered the Clovis groups both of these
necessary resources.
The El Bajío quarry site probably was persistently used
by Clovis groups, and they left a considerable amount of
debris and tools over a 4-square kilometer area. One of
the important activities carried out at El Bajío was the
manufacture of blades. About 100 blades have been collected at the site. The manufacture of bifaces and Clovis
points is also well represented at the site. Five blades and
two core rejuvenation tablet flakes collected at Fin del
Mundo (about 150 km away) were made using El Bajío
vitrified basalt. The presence of El Bajío basalt tablet
flakes indictate the interaction and integration between
the people who used the two sites.
126 r $IBQUFS
In sum, the settlement pattern recognized in Sonora
indicates that Clovis groups had multiple economic strategies. Big game hunting was one of the most important
subsistence activities, but it was risky and had a high percentage of failure. Activities relating to collecting plants
and hunting small animals were more reliable than big
game hunting on a daily basis. The Clovis groups in
Sonora developed a sophisticated settlement pattern and
land-use system that was determined by the location of
lithic sources for tool making, water sources, large prey
animals, and a mosaic of edible plants and small animals. Exploitation of an extensive territory, together with
the excellent climate that existed in the Sonoran Desert
at the end of the Pleistocene, allowed Clovis groups to
remain in the same region for long periods of time.
SUBSISTENCE STRATEGIES AND
ORGANIZATION OF LABOR
Traditionally, Paleoindian scholars assumed that all Clovis groups were specialized high-tech hunters of proboscideans and other big Pleistocene mammals, and this this
assumption may be an appropriate interpretation for some
regions in Northern North America that had tundra-like
climate and vegetation during the late Pleistocene. The
Sonoran Desert region, however, had an optimal climate
at the end of the Pleistocene, with warm and wet winters
and cool and wet summers. This supported a chaparrallike environment with yucca stands, pinyon, juniper, oak,
agave, prickly pear, and a variety of grasses. The variety of
plants and animals that the Clovis people encountered in
Sonora surely were incorporated into their diet.
Using ethnographic data about hunter-gatherers, Binford (1980, 1990) and, more recently, Kelly (1995) have
shown that effective temperature (ET) is a reliable index
for modeling aspects of past adaptations. ET provides
a direct measure of plant productivity and an indirect
measure of animal productivity (Bettinger 1991:65; Hill
2001:10). The equator has an ET of 26, and the Poles have
an ET of 8. Although there are no modern analogs for
Paleoindian groups, the dimensions of past and present
hunter and gatherers are broadly shaped by similar constraints and conditions, and the ET index may be used
with caution to interpret the adaptions of past societies
(Hill 2001:12).
In Clovis times, the difference in the ET between the
Northern Plains (ET 9) and the Sonoran Desert region
(ET 15) suggests that Clovis groups living at the Sonoran
Desert were able to rely upon plants and small animals
throughout the year. According to packrat midden and
pollen records, the plant repertoire available as foodstuffs was abundant in the Sonoran Desert, including
pinyon, oak, juniper, agave, prickly pear, acacia, saguaro,
and other cacti. Although, our research in Sonora has
not yet found a Clovis age archaeological feature with
plant remains, an agave charcoal in a feature of Clovis
age (UCIAMS-12859, 10,095 ± 30) recently was found
at Isla Cedros in Baja California Norte by Matthew R.
Des Lauriers (2011:168). The ET index of the Sonoran
Desert, together with the edible plant repertoire and
direct evidence of consumption of agave at Isla Cedros,
support the existence of multiple economic strategies for
the Clovis groups at the Sonoran Desert.
There is no question that hunting large game was an
important activity in the life of Clovis people. Hunting
megafauna, however, is a risky activity with a low success
rate that had to be complemented with other activities.
Hunting was a multidimensional phenomenon, and did
not occur in isolation from other subsistence activities
(Kelly 1995; Waguespack 2003:109). The actual killing
of large animals may have been a male activity, but the
labors of women and other non-hunters may have played
major roles in hunting as well (Wuadespack 2003:109).
All members of the society were involved in tasks relating to hunting, such as making shoes and clothes, manufacturing tools, butchering, and preserving the meat.
Clovis social organization probably entailed family
groups with a minimal size of 25 to 40 members. However, the homogeneity of Clovis points, the sharing of
artifacts between groups, and the sharing of raw materials
appear to indicate that family groups maintained strong
ties with extended Clovis populations at a regional level
CLOVIS CHRONOLOGY AND MIGRATION
TO SONORA
Secure dating of Clovis archaeological contexts in Sonora
has been difficult. Although large Clovis collections and
sites have been known for Sonora since the 1960s, intact
archaeological contexts with datable material were not
found until 2012. The lack of stratified deposits at the
majority of the Sonoran Clovis sites makes it impossible
to have an adequate sample of well-dated materials. Fin
del Mundo contains stratified deposits, but for five years
we were unable to date the archaeological context. In
2012, however, we obtained three charcoal samples from
the gomphothere archaeological feature that date this site
to 11,550 B.P. (13,390 cal B.P.) (Sanchez and others 2014).
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When peoples moved down the west coast of North
America and reached the end of the Baja California peninsula, land literally ran out. Unless they had watercraft
capable of making the crossing to Mexico across the 100km open water gap that existed at 15,000 years ago and
were aware of the possibility of land across the water,
they would have had to turn back to the north. Moving
north along the eastern side of Baja, unless they island
hopped over to Sonora near the northern end of the Gulf
in the vicinity of Isla Ángel de la Guarda and Tiburón
Island, they would have encountered the mouth of the
Colorado River. Some populations may have chosen to
follow this large waterway into the interior, while others, continued down the western coast of Sonora, where
they would have eventually reached Central and South
America. Sonora is thus a critically important area in the
peopling of the Americas.
CLOVIS INTERACTION AND INTEGRATION
BETWEEN REGIONS
Current investigations in Sonora have permitted us to
reconstruct tentative Clovis settlement patterns. Clovis
groups used an extensive territory about 25,000 square
kilometers in size in and around the Llanos de Hermosillo. A variety of site types are present in this area,
including lithic procurement sites, lithic workshops,
megafauna hunting sites, encampments, and an extensive distribution of isolated Clovis projectile points. Clovis caches are common in the United States, where more
than one hundred of them have been reported. There are
no Clovis cache sites in Sonora, however, and they do
not appear to have been an important part of the settlement pattern. Although, the largest and most important
Clovis sites in Sonora are located in the Llanos de Hermosillo area, Clovis points also have been found between
Caborca and Trincheras, and along the Río Sonora in
Mexico and the San Pedro River in southern Arizona.
The Clovis archaeological record in southern Arizona
is represented by 150 isolated Clovis points, two small sites
containing a handful of artifacts, and a series of sites that
are distributed in a compact area extending along 31 km
of the San Pedro River Valley, including Naco, Lehner,
Murray Springs, Escapule, and Navarrete. The San Pedro
sites represent punctual events of short duration related to
megafauna hunting activity (Haynes and Huckell 2007).
Murray Springs can be compared to Fin del Mundo
because both sites have hunting features and associated
camp areas. However, Murray Springs represents only
one event, while Fin del Mundo was visited several times
(Sanchez and others 2014). The exploitation of the local
source of quartz crystal at Fin del Mundo appears to
indicate that Clovis groups had an extensive knowledge
of resources as a result of their constant use of the region.
Geoarchaeological investigations on the Mexican
side of the Río San Pedro were unsuccessful in producing an archaeological record similar to that in Arizona.
A study by Gaines (2006) produced a half-dozen isolated projectile points in private collections and one
small site composed of one Clovis point and two other
artifacts. Apparently the Mexican side of the San Pedro
River experienced periods of deposition and erosion
that destroyed the late Pleistocene depositional history.
The lack of a robust Clovis archaeological record in the
Río San Pedro in Sonora limits the direct comparison
between Arizona and Sonora.
The Clovis occupation of Sonora is distinguished from
that of Arizona and New Mexico because of the presence
of the large quarry site at El Bajío. Lithic raw material
procurement is of fundamental importance within a
given territory. The El Bajío quarry functioned as a communal locality for regional groups that was visited and
used several times a year. Annual residential mobility
probably was planned to take into account the El Bajío
lithic source, along with localities with permanent water.
The gomphotheres found at Fin del Mundo are puzzling because they have never been found at any other
archaeological site in North America. It is probable that
Clovis groups in Sonora encountered fauna and flora
that they had never seen before, along with a better climate. These conditions likely prompted them to inhabit
Sonora. The Sonoran Clovis occupation is a testimony
that multiple regional Clovis adaptations that emerged
with specific responses to plants, animals, and resources.
Despite the relatively few investigations conducted to
date, Sonora seemingly presents an extraordinarily high
density of Clovis sites and isolated finds, especially when
compared with the adjacent regions of Arizona, and the
remarkable paucity of evidence from Chihuahua and
Sinaloa. The evidence that we have indicates that Sonora
served as a corridor for the migration of the first Americans.
THE CLOVIS RECORD IN THE REGIONS
SURROUNDING SONORA
With the objective of placing the state of Sonora within a
framework of late Pleistocene human occupation, an overview of the Paleoindian record of the regions surrounding
128 r $IBQUFS
Sonora is presented here. Currently, the existence of a preClovis or pre-terminal Pleistocene occupation has not
been confirmed within Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas.
The few sites that have been proposed as pre-Clovis are
problematic and remain equivocal (Faught and Freeman
1998; Haynes 2002; Huckell 2004; Mabry 1998a).
Arizona
The state of Sonora has many similarities with the state
of Arizona. They share the same desert, and the human
adaptations to this environment are similar during the
entire history of the region (Mabry 2008). The Clovis
sites on the San Pedro River in southeastern Arizona,
including mammoth kill sites, bison kill sites and camp
sites, are well understood. They have an unusually complete record of late Quaternary depositional, pedological,
and erosional events, and a complete series of radiocarbon dates (Haynes 1991, 1993, 2000a, 2000b, 2007; Huckell 2004, 2007; Taylor and others 1996). These San Pedro
River sites are located only a few kilometers north of the
international border between Arizona and Sonora.
Two sites located outside the San Pedro River valley have been reported in Arizona (Huckell 1978, 1982,
2004). In 1976 and 1981, Bruce Huckell carried out limited
excavations at the Silktassel Site, north of Phoenix, where
a Clovis occupation is represented by a Clovis point, two
end scrapers, a blade, a graver, and debitage (Huckell
1978, 1982:3). He recently returned to the site and found
one additional blade. According to Huckell, the Silktassel site has suffered much erosion and the land has been
burned at least once (Bruce Huckell, personal communication 2009). At the multicomponent site AZ Y:8:100
(ASM), located northwest of Ajo, SWCA, Environmental
Consultants found Clovis materials, although more work
needs to be done to determine the precise nature of the
Clovis occupation (Huckell 2004:94). Beside these sites,
there are 150 solitary Clovis points reported in the state.
These isolated Clovis finds are from the surface, and are
distributed in the Sonoran Desert area and Colorado
Plateau (Agenbroad 1967; Huckell 1982, 2004; Northon
and others 2005).
The San Pedro River Valley in southeastern Arizona
is a unique place with good preservation that provides
evidence of the different activities carried out by Clovis
groups. Sites include mammoth, horse, and bison kill
sites, butchering areas for processing meat, and areas
for knapping stone tools. At some sites, these different
activities overlapped (Haynes 2007; Huckell 2007). Fortunately, the San Pedro sites are preserved in a complex
stratigraphic framework, with deposits that preserved
events and archaeological contexts that were buried for
13,000 years. The archaeological record of the San Pedro
Valley sites is summarized in the Table 6.1.
The San Pedro sites were excavated by various people between 1957 and 1973. C. Vance Haynes, Jr., was
instrumental in conducting superb geoarchaeological
investigation of the sites and their environs. The Clovis
activities represented at the sites included hunting and
butchering of megafauna, manufacture of butchering
tools, and curating or resharpening of tools during use.
The knapping stations are well defined and concentrated
in discrete features, although they are in proximity to the
Pleistocene animal bones (Huckell 2007). The researchers deduced that the events represented at the San Pedro
River sites were of short duration, and it is possible that
they represented the activities of a single group (Haynes
and Huckell 2007).
In Arizona, Clovis was followed by the Folsom complex of Late Paleoindian age; however, the two complexes
do not share the same spatial distribution. Folsom is well
represented on the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, but
appears to have been absent from the Sonoran Desert
(Faught and Freeman 1998). Huckell (1982) reported 20
Folsom points for the state of Arizona, with 12 located in
the St. Johns area on the Colorado Plateau. One unique
late Paleoindian site reported in Arizona is the Badger
Springs site in the northeastern part of the state, which
dates to 9,000 cy B.P. (Hesse and others 1998, 2000).
There, a child cremation and several Badger Spring lanceolate points without flutes were documented. These
points are clearly related to Angostura, Agate Basin, and
Foothill Mountain types.
At Ventana Cave, Huckell and Haynes (2003) reported
a Sulphur Springs component containing contracting
stem projectile points, fire-cracked rocks, and informal
ground stone. This component dates to about 8700 B.P.
The Sulphur Springs complex was considered as part of
the Cochise culture previously defined by Sayles and
Antevs (1941). At Whitewater Draw in the San Pedro Valley, the Sulphur Spring lithic assemblage is represented
by informal ground stone and fire-cracked rock. In 1985,
Michael Waters (1986) reinvestigated the sites described
by Sayles and Antevs and obtained 10 radiocarbon dates
from different features, all of which dated between 8100
and 9000 B.P. Based upon the increased manipulations of
plants, as represented by ground stone and roasting pits,
the Sulphur Spring complex may represent an adaptation
of the Paleoindian hunters to a more Archaic subsistence
%FĐOJOHUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF$MPWJT0DDVQBUJPOJO4POPSB r 129
Table 6.1. The Clovis Archaeological Record of the San Pedro Valley
Site Name
Site Type
Artifacts
Pleistocene
Fauna
Naco
Kill site
8 complete Clovis points
Single mammoth
Lehner
Kill site,
processing
13 Clovis points; flakes,
unifacial tools, 2 hearths;
1 shallow roasting pit
12 mammoths,
bison, camel;
roasting pit with
bear and rabbit
bones.
Escapule
Kill site
2 Clovis points
Leikem
Kill site
Navarrete
C-14 Dates
Time Context
of Discovery
Citations
Navarrete
family 1951
Haury and others
1953; Haynes
2007:1
Ed Lehner
1955
Haury and others
1959; Mehringer
and Haynes 1965;
Haynes 1982,
2007
Partial mammoth
Luis Escapule
1960
Hemmings and
Haynes 1969;
Haynes 2007
1 Clovis point
Two mammoths
Slim Leiken
1964
Haynes 2007
Hunting
1 point proximal
fragment, 1 possible
bone tool
Two mammoths,
50 m upstream
from Naco
Marc
Navarrete
1973
Huckell 1981;
Haynes 2007
Murray
Springs,
areas 1, 2,
and 3
Mammoth
kill,
butchering
1 Clovis point, tip of 2
others, several stone
tools, 66 thinning flakes,
and possible bone
artifacts
Two disarticulated
mammoths,
mammoth tracks,
horse, 2 bison,
and canids
Murray
Springs
project
1966-1972
Hemmings 1970;
Haynes 2007
Murray
Springs,
area 3
Kill site,
knapping
areas
1 unifacial cutting tool,
used flakes, cobble
hammers, 9,467 pieces
of debitage, 1 mammoth
bone shaft tool
Nearly a complete
mammoth, 2
bison, canids,
rodents
Murray
Springs
Project 1971
Hemmings 1970;
Haynes 2007;
Huckell 2007
Murray
Springs,
areas 3
and 4
Multiple
bison kill
site,
knapping
area,
processing
area
9 Clovis points, 3 bifaces,
2 unifacial retouch
flakes, 4 utilized blades
and flakes, 2 cobble
hammers, 1,560 pieces
of debitage, 3 hearths
Multiple bison,
peccary, and
horse
Murray
Springs
Project
1968-1969
Hemmings 1970,
2007; Haynes
2007; Huckell
2007
Murray
Springs,
area 5
Clovis camp
and horse
butchering
2 Clovis bases, 2 bifaces,
1 preform, unifacial
retouch blade, pebble
hammers, 1,030 pieces
of debitage
Horse
Murray
Springs
Project 1967
Hemmings 1970,
2007; Haynes
2007; Huckell
2007
11,160 from
a hearth,
and 12 from
a Clovis
stratum
10,949 ± 40
Charcoal
date of
11,150 B.P.
10,760 ± 100
130 r $IBQUFS
pattern that is characteristic of the nascent Sonoran Desert (Huckell 1996).
New Mexico
The Clovis and Folsom type sites, the landmarks of
Paleoindian archaeology, are located on the Southern
Great Plains of eastern New Mexico. Several sites in
New Mexico contain a complete array of Paleoindian and
Early Archaic occupations (Holliday 1997, 2005). Blackwater Draw and Mockingbird Gap are the important
Clovis sites in New Mexico. Approximately 350 Clovis
points have been documented in the state, the majority
of them from Socorro County (Hamilton 2008; Paleoindian Database of the Americasaccessed October 8, 2014).
In 1927, Carl Schwachheim, working with paleontologists Harold Cook and Jesse Figgins, excavated a complete specimen of a #JTPOBOUJRVVTof late Pleistocene age
from what became known as the Folsom site in northeastern New Mexico. They discovered a beautiful lanceolate fluted projectile point (Folsom style) between two
ribs of the animal, thus proving that humans interacted
with Pleistocene megafauna in the Americas (Cook 1927,
1928; Figgins 1927).
In 1933, Edgar B. Howard was shown Blackwater
Draw—the Clovis type site—when he was looking for
early sites in the area. Blackwater Draw is located between
the towns of Clovis and Portales in northeastern New
Mexico (Cotter 1937; Howard 1935a, 1935b). The Clovis
site was investigated for 30 years following its discovery
(Holliday 2005; Sellards 1952; Warnica 1966). The investigations at this locality represent the first multidisciplinary
research of Paleoindian archaeology, and made it possible
to establish a geological framework for the archaeological
record of the first Americans (Antevs 1935, 1948; Clarke
1938; Patrick 1938; Stock and Bode 1936).
At Blackwater Draw Locality 1 (the Clovis site), the
remains of Clovis occupations were located at the margins of a spring-fed paleo-lake that measured 300 m by
300 m. The site was exposed on the surface by gravel
mining. The archaeological remains are represented by
eight mammoths and several bison bone beds (Sellards
and Evans 1960). One of the bison beds, two campsites,
and two bison with associated artifacts were dated at
10,800 cy B.P. (Holliday 2005; Meltzer 1983). Warnica
(1966) reported that approximately 500 artifacts were
collected from different localities at the site. At least 12
Clovis points were collected, together with end scrapers,
blades, lateral scrapers, and debitage from the bone beds
and the encampments.
Another important Clovis site of New Mexico is
the Mockingbird Gap Site, located 40 km southeast of
Socorro. One of the largest Clovis sites in western North
America, the site consists of a Clovis lithic scatter in an
area 800 m by 80 to 150 m on a northeast-southwest
trending ridge composed of sand and gravel, with a cap
of strongly developed gypsite or calcrete. The site borders the floor of Chupadera Wash. Projectile point bases,
fluted point preforms, end scrapers, gravers, and other
flake tools represent the principal artifacts. No bones
were present at Mockingbird Gap, which appears to be
a campsite located close to the surface. The site has not
been dated (Holliday and others 2009).
Texas
Clovis points have been found throughout the state of
Texas. The Llano Estacado has the highest density of Clovis artifacts, but they are also present in the panhandle,
Denton County, the Edwards Plateau, and the Lubbock
area. Here we discuss three sites: Aubrey, Gault, and Pavo
Real. Other important Clovis sites have been found in
Texas, including the Kincaid and Montell rock shelters.
The Aubrey Clovis site is located on a lag of a late
Pleistocene channel at 7.9 to 9 m below the modern
floodplain of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. This
drainage began aggrading during the Clovis period.
The site is located in north-central Texas between the
rolling Plains and the Gulf Coastal Plain (Ferring 2001;
G. Haynes 2002). This site represents the oldest Pleistocene Clovis site on record in North America dated
to ~11,550 B.P. (Ferring 2001). Approximately 170 1-m
by 1-m units have been excavated. The Aubrey Clovis
site is composed of seven localities with a wide range of
lithic artifacts, numerous hearths, a bison kill site, and
at least 12,000 fragments of bones (Ferring 2001; Haynes
2002). One bison kill locus with a blade and debitage
from re-sharpening flakes was excavated. Two distinct
camp areas are present at the site, with over 6,000 lithic
artifacts that include Clovis points, blades, end scrapers,
and bifaces (Ferring 2001). Two knapping activity areas
appear to be present; one specialized in bifacial reduction and the other in unifacial reduction (Ferring 2001).
Apparently, the Clovis occupations of the site were short
(Ferring 2001; Witt 2005).
The Gault Site located midway between Georgetown
and Ft. Hood, Texas, in a constricted head of a small
valley. The site extends over an 800-m by 200-m area.
It is a stratified site with a Clovis occupation, although
the early and late Holocene occupations of the site are
%FĐOJOHUIF-BUF1MFJTUPDFOF$MPWJT0DDVQBUJPOJO4POPSB r 131
also well represented. Clovis people were attracted to
the Gault site by several springs and a quarry of fine
chert for tool knapping. The artifacts occur in primary
contexts within pond clays and in overlying floodplain
deposits. Localities at the site are composed of Clovis
knapping stations, often in association with Pleistocene
animal remains. A total of 600,000 lithic artifacts have
been excavated at the site. Clovis artifacts include fluted
projectile points, bifaces in all stages of reduction, blade
cores, blades, core tablets, end scrapers, drills, knives,
and debitage (Collins 1999a, 2002). At the Lindsay Pit
locality, excavated by the Center for the Study of the First
Americans, Texas A&M University, a knapping station
was found for manufacturing blades and Clovis bifaces
(Waters and others 2011; Dickens 2007). Blades and
by-products of the Clovis blade technology were used
to manufacture Clovis preforms, suggesting that blade
technology and fluting were Clovis innovations (Dickens 2007). From the point of view of those who study
lithic technology, Gault is one the most important sites
in North America.
The Pavo Real site is located on the east side of the
Leon Creek Valley, North of San Antonio, Texas. The site
was quickly excavated in 1979 as part of a TxDOT highway project (Hester 2003). The geochronology, analysis,
and interpretation were not completed until 2000 (Collins and Hudler 2003). The site measures 150 m × 100 m,
and consists of lithic artifact scatters and fire-cracked
rock distributed in five areas. It is a multi-component site
with Clovis, Folsom, and Early and Late Archaic occupations. The fire-cracked rock features dated to 3600
to 2000 cy B.P. Areas 3 and 4 in the central section of
the site have overlapping Clovis, Folsom, and Archaic
occupations that appear to indicate that deposition at
the site was slow during early Holocene times, with very
little soil formation. There was no bone present at the site
(Collins 2003). The Clovis artifact assemblage from the
site indicates that many knapping activities took place
there; the manufacture of blades appears to have been an
important activity, along with bifaces and Clovis points.
Area 5 contained 14 conical cores, together with core
tables, and flakes from the rejuvenation of core platforms
(Collins 2003).
The lithic complex at Pavo Real includes at least 5,000
pieces of lithic debitage, Clovis bifaces, Clovis point preforms, Clovis points, Folsom bifaces, Folsom point preforms, Folsom points, channel flakes for both Clovis and
Folsom points, conical and wedge-shaped cores, blades,
end scrapers, gravers, and a variety of unifacial tools
(Collins 2003). The Pavo Real site appears to comprise
a lithic quarry, lithic manufacture, and encampment
located near the river.
Summary of the Clovis Record in Arizona,
New Mexico, and Texas
The early Paleoindian archaeological record in the
Southwest and Texas is somewhat patchy and dispersed.
It is apparent that south-central Texas was an important
territory for Paleoindian groups. The southern High
Plains was another territory that was well known and
exploited by late Pleistocene inhabitants. In Arizona, the
number of Clovis sites diminishes greatly, and only in the
San Pedro River valley in the southeastern corner of the
state is there is an archaeological record with excellent
preservation. The major difference between the regions
is the small number of conical blades cores and blades in
Arizona, compared to the central region of Texas. From
the archaeological record it is fair to say that good lithics,
water, and megafauna were important commodities of
the Paleoindian life style.
CONCLUSION
Sonora provides a remarkable context for studying the
late Pleistocene occupation of North America and Mexico. When information about Late Pleistocene archaeological sites in Sonora is added to data from Paleoindian
sites in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, important
insights emerge about the peopling of the Americas.
If Paleoindian groups moved down the west coast of
North America and reached the end of the Baja California peninsula, they either had to use watercraft to cross
100 km of open water to the mainland of Mexico or backtrack to the north where they would have encountered
the Colorado River. Some groups may have chosen to
follow the Colorado River northward into the interior
of the continent, while other groups may have continued
down the western coast of mainland Mexico, eventually
reaching Central and South America.
Archaeological data in Sonora support the “stagingarea” model of Clovis land use. The Clovis points found
in Sonora were made using local raw material sources
of varied quality. Knowing where to find the best local
sources of stone for use in lithic tools indicates that Clovis
people had a detailed knowledge of their environment.
From this, I infer that Clovis groups stayed at sites for
long periods of times, or that they visited the same sites
recurrently as a part of a long-term strategy of land use.
132 r $IBQUFS
The essential resources found in Sonora made this region
an attractive place for place for pioneering human groups.
The Clovis groups that migrated to the Sonora Desert
encountered fauna and flora that they had not previously
seen elsewhere in North America. The climatic conditions in Sonora during the Late Pleistocene entailed
warm and wet winters and cool and wet summers. This
created a relatively rich environment with a diversity
of animals and plants that could be hunted and gathered to enable long-term occupation of territories. The
Paleoindian sites in Sonora provide evidence that multiple regional Clovis adaptations emerged with specific
responses to plants, animals, and other resources.
Extensive Clovis campsites, hunting areas, stone procurement areas, and wild resources indicate that territories were used repeatedly. Clovis economic strategies
were organized to exploit a large and pristine environment that contained a variety of animals and plants.
Our investigations indicate that Clovis people used a
variety of raw materials for tool making, including different sources of chert, quartzite, quartz crystal, rhyolite,
obsidian, and basalt. The homogeneity of Clovis points,
the sharing of artifacts between groups, and the sharing
of raw materials suggest that Clovis groups maintained
strong ties with extended populations at a regional level.
The 12 Clovis sites documented in Sonora indicate
extensive use of the region by Paleoindian hunters and
gatherers. El Bajío, in particular, was an important locality situated at the edge of the Llanos de Hermosillo and
the Rio San Miguel valley. These landforms provided a
natural north-south corridor for travel. The quarry at
Cerro de la Vuelta was the most important and extensively used source of lithic material in the Sonoran
Desert. At El Bajío, family groups congregated to make
tools.The extensive camp areas and localities at the site
that contain only one type of artifact indicate that other
specific activities were also carried out, including the
manufacture of clothing and shoes. Annual residential
mobility probably was planned to take into account the
El Bajío lithic source. Although there is no spring at El
Bajío, in the past the San Miguel River and Zanjón River
probably had more flow than today, and these would
have provided a water source comparable to the permanent water at other Paleoindian sites in Sonora.
Radiocarbon dates from Fin del Mundo indicate Clovis people were hunting gomphotheres and other game
animals at 11,550 B.P. (13,390 Cal years) (Sanchez and
others 2014). The gomphotheres found at Fin del Mundo
are significant because this is the only place they have
been found in a Paleoindian kill site in North America.
We have much more to learn about the Paleoindian
occupation of Sonora. The rich archaeological record of
Clovis in Sonora promises to yield significant new information as archaeologists work in the region in the future.
This information will be important in understanding
how the Paleoindian people used different environments
to support themselves as they spread through the North
and South America.
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*OEFY r 155
156 r *OEFY
*OEFY r 157
158 r *OEFY
*OEFY r 159
160 r *OEFY
ABSTRACT
M
RESUMEN
exico is a significant region for understanding the
colonization of the continent because it is shaped
like a funnel. When the first Americans moved inland
from Beringia to South America, they crossed what is
now the border between the United States and Mexico, a
territory that it is more than 1,600 km long. These people
then walked south to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a narrow strip of land 160 km wide between the Pacific Ocean
and the Atlantic Ocean.
The archaeological record of the first people of Mexico
is scarce, and the previously published information is
confusing and unsystematic. During the last decade, however, investigations of Paleoindian sites have increased
exponentially, even though only a handful of Mexican
researchers focus their investigations on Pleistocene sites.
Systematic investigations of Paleoindian sites in the state
of Sonora, in particular, have increased enormously what
is known about the Pleistocene landscape and the first
people who inhabited this region.
This book reviews what is currently known about the
Pleistocene archaeology of Mexico, with an emphasis on
Sonora. It describes the landscape, paleoenvironment,
and physiographic provinces of Sonora, and provides a
regional cultural history. Data from 12 Paleoindian sites
in that state are analyzed, including the Clovis lithic
industry at the site of El Bajío. The patterns of land use,
subsistence strategies, organization of labor, and chronology of the Clovis period are defined.
Archaeological data from Sonora support the “stagingarea” model of Clovis land use. Extensive Clovis campsites,
hunting areas, stone procurement areas, and the availability of wild resources indicate that people repeatedly used
the region. The Clovis points found in Sonora were made
using local materialsof varied quality including chert,
quartzite, quartz crystal, rhyolite, obsidian, and basalt.
Knowing where to find the best local sources of stone for
tool making indicates that Clovis people had a detailed
knowledge of their environment. From this, it is inferred
that Clovis groups stayed at sites for long periods of times,
or that they visited the same sites recurrently as a part of a
long-term strategy of land use. The homogeneity of Clovis
points, the sharing of artifacts between groups, and the
sharing of raw materials suggest that Clovis groups maintained strong ties with extended populations at a regional
M
éxico es una región significativa para entender la
colonización del continente porque tiene forma
de embudo. Cuando los primeros americanos se transportaron por tierra de Beríngia hacia Sudamérica cruzaron lo que es ahora la frontera entre Estados Unidos
y México, un territorio que tiene más de 1,600 km de
longitud. Esta gente posteriormente caminó al sur por
el Istmo de Tehuantepec, una franja delgada de 160 km
de ancho entre el Océano Pacífico y el Océano Atlántico.
El registro arqueológico de la primera gente de México
es escasa, y la información previamente publicada es confusa y poco sistemática. Sin embargo, en la última década,
las investigaciones de sitios Paleoindios se ha incrementado exponencialmente, aunque solamente media docena
de investigadores se especializan en sitios Paleoindios.
Las exploraciones de los sitios Paleoindios en el estado de
Sonora, en particular, han incrementado enormemente
y ahora conocemos de los paisajes del Pleistoceno y los
primeros pobladores que habitaron esta región.
Éste libro hace una revisión de lo que actualmente
sabemos de la arqueología del Pleistoceno de México con
énfasis en Sonora. Describe el paisaje, paleoambiente, y
las provincias fisiográficas de Sonora, y presenta una historia regional cultural. Se analizan los datos de doce sitios
Paleoindios en Sonora, incluyendo la industria lítica Clovis del sitio de El Bajío. Se definen los patrones del uso del
suelo, estrategias de subsistencias, la organización laboral
y cronología del periodo Clovis en Sonora.
Los datos arqueológicos de Sonora soportan el modelo
“área de función” para explicar el uso del territorio Clovis.
Las puntas Clovis encontradas en Sonora fueron elaborados usando materia prima local de diversa calidad.
El conocimiento de dónde encontrar las mejores fuentes
de piedra local para usar en las herramientas indica que
la gente Clovis conocía en detalle su medioambiente. De
esto, infiero que los grupos Clovis permanecieron en los
sitios por largos periodos de tiempo, o visitas recurrentes
a las mismas localidades como parte de las estrategias de
largo tiempo del uso del territorio. Los recursos esenciales encontrados en Sonora hicieron esta región un lugar
atractivo para los grupos pioneros.
La presencia de localidades con extensos campamentos, áreas de caza, áreas de extracción de rocas para
hacer herramientas, y recursos silvestres indican que los
[161]
162 r "CTUSBDU
level. The essential resources found in this region made it
an attractive place for pioneering human groups.
Clovis economic strategies were organized to exploit
a large and pristine environment that contained a variety of animals and plants. Radiocarbon dates from Fin
del Mundo indicate Clovis people were hunting gomphotheres and other game animals at 11,550 B.P. (13,390
cal B.P.) (Sanchez and others 2014). The gomphotheres
found at Fin del Mundo are significant because this is
the only place they have been found in association with
humans in North America.
The rich Paleoindian archaeological record of Clovis
in Sonora promises to yield significant new information
as archaeologists continue to work in the region. This
information will be important in understanding how
Paleoindian people used different environments to support themselves as they spread through North and South
America.
territorios fueron usados repetidamente. Las estrategias
económicas Clovis fueron organizadas para explotar
ambientes prístinos grandes que contenían una variedad
de plantas y animales. Fechas de radiocarbono obtenidas del sitio Fin del Mundo indican que la gente Clovis
estaba cazando gonfoterios y otros animales alrededor
de 11,550 B.P. (13,3990 años calibrados) (Sanchez y otros
2014). Los gonfoterios encontrados en el Fin del Mundo
son importantes ya que es en el único lugar donde se han
sido hallados en Norte América.
Estas investigaciones indican que la gente Clovis usaba
una variedad de materia prima para hacer herramientas,
incluyendo diversas fuentes de sílex, cuarcita, cristal de
cuarzo, riolita, obsidiana y basalto. La homogeneidad de
las puntas Clovis, la coincidencia de artefactos y el intercambiar materias primas entre grupos, sugiere que los
grupos Clovis mantenían fuertes lazos con poblaciones
de la región.
El abundante registro arqueológico de Paleoindios Clovis en Sonora promete proporcionar nueva información
si los arqueólogos continúan trabajando en la región en el
futuro. Esta información será importante para entender
como la gente Paleoindia uso diferentes ambientes cuando
se esparcieron a lo largo del Norte y Sur América.
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E. B. Sayles. 1983. (O.P.)
43. Cultural and Environmental History of Cienega Valley,
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44.
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45.
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67.
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52.
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57.
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58.
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María Nieves Zedeño. 1994.
73.
In the Aftermath of Migration: Renegotiating Ancient
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Anna A. Neuzil. 2008.
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Bruce B. Huckell. 1995.
74.
Burnt Corn Pueblo, Conflict and Conflagration in the
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T. J. Ferguson. 1996.
75.
61.
Ceramic Commodities and Common Containers: Production
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Grasshopper Region, Arizona
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Potters and Communities of Practice: Glaze Paint and
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Southern Arizona Desert
William E. Doolittle and James A. Neely, eds. 2004.
71.
Murray Springs: A Clovis Site with Multiple Activity Areas in
the San Pedro Valley, Arizona
C. Vance Haynes, Jr., and Bruce B. Huckell, eds. 2007.
72. Ancestral Zuni Glaze-Decorated Pottery: Viewing Pueblo IV
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Anthropological Papers listed as O.P., D are available as Docutech reproductions (high quality
xerox) printed on demand. They are tape or spiral bound and nonreturnable.