Changing Patterns of Violence in the Northern San Juan Region

Abstract

Evidence of human violence in the Northern San Juan region of the American Southwest has stimulated a variety of inferences, including interpersonal strife, cannibalism, raiding, and warfare. We summarize existing information on regional violence and discuss new research results from excavations in the Sand Canyon locality. The analysis explores similarities and differences in patterns of violent deaths through time and across the region and explains these similarities and differences with respect to population movement and changing political systems.