Publication Date

5-25-1962

Abstract

The thesis presents the anthropometric data on 110 skeletons obtained by the University of New Mexico from Pueblo IV site of Pottery Mound. The measurements include 27 dimensions and 11 indices of the skull, face, and long bones of all or part of the 49 individuals. Observations on pathologist of the bones and teeth are also discussed. These data are compared with similar material from the Pueblo IV sites of Paako, Pecos, and Hawikuh. The Pottery Mound materials, although of a general Southwestern physical type, are somewhat divergent from other Pueblo IV groups.Several possible causes for the divergencies are postulated, including dietary differences, water supply, and general ecology; but the possibility of a different hereditary background for at least a portion of the inhabitants of Pottery Mound is considered. Although the small sample size of some of the catagories makes possible only tentative inferences, these are highly suggestive. It is noteworthy that the males of Pottery Mound are more divergent and variable than the females. The author postulates that this is best explained by the presence of an increment of “foreign” males. This intrusive element may represent traders and visitors, since Pottery Mound was known to have been a trade and probably a religious center. If, as is quite possible, the social structure of the community was matrilineal and matrilocal, the skeletal remains of these “foreign” males may be responsible for the divergent features noted in this study.

Keywords

Pottery Mound, Physical Anthropology, Anthropometry

Project Sponsors

National Science Foundation

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Anthropology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Anthropology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Harry Wetherald Basehart

Second Committee Member

Willard Willams Hill

Third Committee Member

Frank Cummings Hibben

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