Dissertation Research: Examination of Relationships Within the Casas Grandes Interaction Sphere

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Under the direction of Dr. Charles Redman, Ms Ronna Bardley will analyze a body of archaeological material to collect data for her doctoral dissertation. She will study marine shells and shell artifacts excavated from the site of Casas Grandes in Northern Mexico and from a number of sites in the U.S. Southwest to determine the interactions between these regions. She wishes to trace this process from collection (in the Gulf of California) through manufacture, distribution and consumption. To accomplish this, she will examine the natural ranges of species represented. Because within a single species shell chemical composition varies by region, she will analyze and match archaeological specimens with samples from different geographical areas. Finally, she will conduct a stylistic analysis to help determine where manufacturing took place. Between approximately 1100 - 1300 AD, a large population grew in Chihuahua, Mexico and was centered at the site of Casas Grandes. Given the size and monumental nature of the site, it is clear that a stratified complex society was present. The discovery of many exotic materials at Casas Grandes indicates that widespread trade occurred, and the city in fact may have served primarily as a trading center. At approximately the same time large sites also appeared in the Southwestern United States and archaeologists have questioned whether these represent an independent local process or rather result from direct Mesoamerican influence via Casas Grandes. Through chemical and stylistic analysis of shell artifacts, Ms Bradley will examine the issue directly. This research is important for several reasons. It will shed new light on the role of trade and inter-regional exchange in the emergence of complex societies. It will also help to develop a new approach to shell sourcing which may be applicable in a wide variety of situations. Finally, it will assist in the training of an extremely promising young scientist.