Evidence of Violent Conflict in Males from Pot Creek Pueblo

A study of skeletal remains from Pot Creek Pueblo, part of the Taos Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals evidence of violent conflict among three young males during the period AD 1260-1320. The research identified peri-mortem trauma, including blunt force and chopping injuries to the skulls and post-cranial remains, suggesting these individuals died from hand-to-hand combat, likely related to warfare. CT scans were used to differentiate peri-mortem trauma from post-mortem damage in one case. The pattern of injuries aligns with rock art depictions from the same period, hinting at the possible use of similar weapons. While healed ante-mortem injuries were present in other individuals, peri-mortem trauma was exclusively found in these three males.

Whitley, C. B. (2012). Evidence of Violent Conflict in Males from Pot Creek Pueblo. Scholarworks@ Umass Amherst. https://doi.org/10.7275/R5SF2T36