Paleo-Indian and Archaic Cultural Systems in the Southwestern United States

Despite its intrinsic significance, the long period that preceded the development of sedentary life in the Southwest, at about the beginning of the Christian era, remains very incompletely investigated and poorly understood. This is due partly to the lower density of population and the concomitant sparsity of archaeological remains, and partly to their relatively unspectacular nature, which resulted in a degree of scientific neglect. However, from the still scanty data certain major patterns are beginning to emerge. These still shadowy outlines reflect the complex interplay of a large number of factors, including the changing climatic and environmental context, technological innovation and adaptations, shifting population size and demographic structure and the socio-religious network which integrates these elements into human culture.