Archaeologists are increasingly recognizing the early Pueblo period as a major social and demographic transition in Southwest history. In Crucible of Pueblos: The Early Pueblo Period in the Northern Southwest, Richard Wilshusen, Gregson Schachner and James Allison present the first comprehensive summary of population growth and migration, the materialization of early villages, cultural diversity, relations of social power, and the emergence of early great houses during the early Pueblo period. Six chapters address these developments in the major regions of the northern Southwest and four synthetic chapters then examine early Pueblo material culture to explore social identity, power, and gender from a variety of perspectives. Taken as a whole, this thoughtfully edited volume compares the rise of villages during the early Pueblo period to similar processes in other parts of the Southwest and examines how the study of the early Pueblo period contributes to an anthropological understanding of Southwest history and early farming societies throughout the world.

Presents papers from a 1993 symposium, "Changing perceptions of Navajo Culture: The Archaeology of the Pre-Fort Sumner Period," held in St. Louis, Missouri. Papers incorporate historical and ethnographical information as well as archaeological data, and draw on Navajo opinions and culture. Contains sections on archaeological concepts of Navajo origins, Navajo expansion out of the Dinetah, and archaeological evidence of Navajo ceremonialism. Includes bandw photos. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR