Eastern Mimbres Archaeological Project

The Eastern Mimbres Archaeological Project, directed by Professors Margaret Nelson and Michelle Hegmon, has been working in southwestern New Mexico for more than a decade. It is concerned with investigating socio-ecological processes associated with the elaborate developments during the Classic period (AD 1000-1130) and the regional reorganization in the subsequent Postclassic. Some of the key issues include the ecological and social aspects of human impacts, changing patterns of inter-regional interaction, and interpretations of the spectacular Mimbres pottery painting.

Ongoing work (2005) includes analysis of ecological and architectural data, and the establishment of an online archive of Mimbres pottery designs. In the near future, the project plans to focus on later Postclassic settlements, possibly including extensive excavations involving a field school.

EMAP hosted ASU field schools for many years, and research on the material and in the field is ongoing, with many opportunities for student participation. EMAP data records and many of the collections are stored or housed at ASU.