Discovery of a Long-Lost Pima Settlement
Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has announced the discovery of a lost Pima village in the Cocóspera Valley. Concealed beneath a mesquite grove for more than three centuries, the settlement dates back to 1687 and lies just 100 meters from a Jesuit mission. Archaeological excavations in the area have revealed a unique blend of European and Indigenous architectural traditions, along with food remains and artifacts that testify to the resistance and adaptation of the Pima people during the colonial period.
Research and Findings
Excavations were led by INAH archaeologist Tomás Pérez Reyes as part of the Imuris-Nogales railway salvage project. The dig covers approximately 800 square meters. Researchers uncovered adobe houses built using Spanish techniques but arranged according to Pima traditions. Among the features found are about 20 outdoor cooking hearths.
Inside these hearths, archaeologists discovered remains of various animal species:
- cattle
- pigs
- sheep
- deer
- dogs
- chickens
- turkeys
- donkeys
- horses
Júpiter Martínez Ramírez, one of the excavation team members, noted: 'The Spanish did not eat horses, but here cooked remains of all kinds of animals were found.'
Plant remains included corn, amaranth, cactus, and edible wild greens (quelites).
Additionally, archaeologists recovered a large collection of stone arrowheads, shell ornaments originating from the Gulf of California, as well as Christian crosses and religious medals. 'This village demonstrates the resistance, transformation, and cultural adoption by the Pima people in the face of the missionary system’s introduction to the region,' said Júpiter Martínez Ramírez.
Tomás Pérez Reyes added: 'They are material proof that the Pima continued using them after the Jesuits settled in Cocóspera.'
The discovery of this village opens new avenues for studying the culture and history of the Pima people, while also underscoring the importance of archaeological research in preserving the memory of the past. This find could mark a crucial step in understanding the interaction between colonizers and Indigenous peoples, as well as the impact of European cultures on the traditional ways of life of local communities.
The recent discovery of the lost Pima village is not the only remarkable archaeological find in Mexico. A 1,400-year-old ceremonial site was also unearthed, showcasing the rich cultural history of the region. Such discoveries highlight the ongoing significance of Indigenous heritage and the layers of history that continue to shape Mexico's identity.