Mogollon Culture

Definition

The Mogollon culture is an ancient Native American culture that thrived in the Southwestern United States, particularly in present-day New Mexico and Arizona, from approximately 200 CE to 1400 CE. Known for their distinctive pottery, architecture, and agricultural practices, the Mogollon people played a significant role in the development of the region's pre-Columbian societies, closely connected to the Mimbres culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mogollon culture developed around 200 CE and is characterized by their use of pottery that often features intricate geometric designs and symbols.
2. They practiced agriculture, growing crops such as maize, beans, and squash, which allowed them to settle in more permanent villages.
3. Mogollon settlements included both above-ground structures and pithouses, which were semi-subterranean dwellings that provided insulation from temperature extremes.
4. The culture declined around 1400 CE due to factors such as drought, resource depletion, and social changes, leading many to migrate or assimilate into neighboring cultures.
5. Archaeological sites associated with the Mogollon culture include the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the Kiva site at Mogollon, showcasing their unique architectural styles and communal living.

Review Questions

• How did agriculture influence the development and lifestyle of the Mogollon culture?
  • Agriculture was a cornerstone of the Mogollon culture's development, allowing them to establish permanent settlements rather than a nomadic lifestyle. The cultivation of crops like maize, beans, and squash provided a stable food source that supported larger populations. This agricultural foundation led to advancements in social structure and community organization as people began to live together in villages with shared resources.
• In what ways does the Mimbres culture reflect the artistic achievements of the Mogollon culture?
  • The Mimbres culture is renowned for its pottery, which exemplifies the artistic achievements of the broader Mogollon culture. Mimbres pottery features intricate black-on-white designs that often depict scenes from daily life or mythical stories. This artistic expression not only serves functional purposes but also provides insight into the cultural beliefs and practices of the Mogollon people. The connection between these two cultures highlights the importance of art as a means of communication and cultural identity.
• Evaluate the factors leading to the decline of the Mogollon culture around 1400 CE and its implications for future Southwestern cultures.
  • The decline of the Mogollon culture around 1400 CE was influenced by several interrelated factors including prolonged droughts, resource depletion from intensive agriculture, and potential social upheaval within their communities. This decline marked a significant transition in the region as many Mogollon people migrated or adapted to other cultures like the Puebloans. The changes initiated by this decline helped shape subsequent Southwestern societies by blending elements of different cultures and influencing future architectural practices and agricultural methods.

Related terms

Mimbres Culture:

A sub-group of the Mogollon culture known for their black-on-white pottery and elaborate designs, which often depicted scenes of daily life and mythology.

Hohokam: Another ancient Native American culture that thrived in the Southwest, known for their advanced irrigation systems and trade networks, which connected them with other cultures, including the Mogollon.

Puebloans: Native American peoples who inhabited the Southwestern United States, including descendants of the Mogollon culture, known for their adobe dwellings and intricate social structures.