Mimbres Culture

Mimbres Culture Heritage Site is focused on the prehistoric native population of the Mimbres River Valley c.200-1200 CE (Common Era). These people are thought to be related to the people of Chaco Canyon, a large and complex settlement south of Farmington, New Mexico. The Mimbres people, however, had a unique ceramic tradition, beautifully decorated black on white pottery. (http://anthropology.si.edu/cm/mimbres.htm)

This village, one of many located in the valley, was relocated from the hilltop in the following photo.

The later site, although there is excellent interpretive panels along the trail, gives little indication of the location of the various buildings. The Grand Kiva gives some hints as the dust has buried the foundation creating a low mound.

Also at the site are the Wood House and the Gooch House. Both are adobe. The simpler of the two, the Wood, was built while the Apaches were still a danger and had firing loops and a steep roof as defensive aspects. The Gooch house (no photo) was built a bit later and exhibits added features.

Wood House