Prehistoric Indians of the Southwest

A survey traces prehistoric settlement and cultural change across the American Southwest, moving from early hunter‑gatherer camps to agricultural villages and complex regional traditions. It describes Basketmaker origins, the rise of Pueblo communities, and the distinct Hohokam, Mogollon, Sinagua, and Patayan cultural spheres, comparing their pottery, basketry, architecture, irrigation, ritual kivas, and mortuary practices. The narrative explains archaeological methods and dating techniques used to reconstruct sequences, summarizes regional chronologies and peripheral areas, and discusses the impact of looting. An appendix lists prominent excavation sites, modern pueblos, and local museums for further exploration.