Classic Mimbres Phase Households and Room Use Patterns

ABSTRACT

This paper reports recent findings at the NAN Ranch Ruin in the Mimbres River Valley in southwestern New Mexico that provide insight on the structure of family unit dwellings in a Classic Mimbres pueblo. A model of Mimbres households consisting of room clusters built during one construction episode and connected by interior doorways is described. Data on the architectural sequence of household units from the east room block at the NAN Ranch Ruin are also described and household patterning is discussed. Although the sample is small, the NAN Ranch Ruin data provide an excellent opportunity for examination of functional, social, and evolutionary patterns in a Classic Mimbres ruin.