Casas Grandes / Paquime Excavations (1958-1961)

One of the Amerind's signature projects was the excavation at Casas Grandes, also known as Paquimé. The archaeological site of is located in northwest Chihuahua, Mexico.In 1958 the Amerind Foundation and Instituto Nacional de Antroplogía e Historia (INAH) initiated the Joint Casas Grandes Project (1958 - 1961). Paquimé was the center of trade for a large area during its height. It may have been a link of sorts between the cultures of Mesoamerica and the Pueblo cultures of the American Southwest. It is estimated to contain the remains of some 2,000 rooms in clusters of residential rooms, workshops, and stores. At its peak in the 14th century, Paquimé may have supported a population of up to several thousand. Casas Grandes possessed an elaborate water system. It was comprised of reservoirs connected by channels that distribute water to the various room blocks of the complex. Some canals were also designed to remove waste from the residential areas of the complex. Water was also collected from a large cistern located in the aptly named "House of the Wells". Macaws and turkeys were kept in pens in several locations throughout Casas Grandes. Macaws were acquired in trade from Mesoamerican peoples further to the south. They were likely used primarily for their colorful feathers. In 1998 Casas Grandes was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.