Reevaluating the Suma Occupation in the Casas Grandes Valley, Chihuahua, Mexico

A reevaluation of the Suma occupation in the Casas Grandes Valley challenges long-standing assumptions about their relationship to the ancient Paquimé civilization. Contrary to previous interpretations, evidence suggests the Suma were likely long-term residents with cultural ties to Paquimé, organized into horticulture villages and exhibiting sophisticated practices. This conclusion emerges from a dual approach: contextualizing historical accounts within contemporary frameworks and comparing material culture data from the 1958–1961 Joint Casas Grandes Expedition. The study not only critiques earlier narratives about Suma origins but also broadens the understanding of Native American responses to colonial settings, offering new insights into the resilience and continuity of indigenous societies in the face of significant cultural shifts.

Douglas, J. E., & Brown, L. J. (2023). Reevaluating the Suma Occupation in the Casas Grandes Valley, Chihuahua, Mexico. American Antiquity, 88(2), 125–143. https://doi.org/10.1017/aaq.2022.105