El Paso Phase Obsidian Procurement in Southern New Mexico: Implications for Jornada Mogollon Regional Interaction and Exchange

A study of obsidian procurement during the El Paso phase in southern New Mexico reveals that while Rio Grande gravel sources were predominant, non-local sources—including Cerro Toledo Rhyolite and Mule Creek projectile points—were also used. This challenges the assumption of exclusive reliance on local resources, with both Cottonwood Spring Pueblo and Madera Quemada Pueblo showing similar but not identical sourcing patterns. The findings contrast sharply with contemporaneous sites in the Casas Grandes region, suggesting distinct regional interaction dynamics. Researchers used EDXRF spectrometry to analyze obsidian artifacts, addressing gaps in previous studies by examining procurement practices and their implications for exchange networks.

Dolan, S. G., Miller, M. R., Shackley, M. S., & Corl, K. (2017). El Paso Phase Obsidian Procurement in Southern New Mexico: Implications for Jornada Mogollon Regional Interaction and Exchange. Kiva, 83(3), 267–291. https://doi.org/10.1080/00231940.2017.1320064