THE MIDDLE ARCHAIC PERIOD AHD THE TRANSITION TO AGRICULTURE IN THE SONORAN DESERT OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Abstract We examine evidence from the Middle Archaic period in southern Arizona to gain a better understanding of the transition from foraging to farming in this area. We propose that certain characteristics manifested during the Middle Archaic period, specifically the repeated occupation of the floodplain and the use of annual seed plants, represent behaviors that would have facilitated the adoption of maize and the technology used to store it. Using this perspective, we argue that the transition from foraging to farming had is roots in the Middle Archaic period. Abstract Examinamos evidencia del periodo Arcaico Medio del sur de Arizona para comprender mejor la transición hacia agricultura en esta área. Nosotros proponemos que ciertas características manifestadas durante el periodo Arcaico Medio, particularmente la ocupación de la llanura aluvial y el uso de plantas anuales de semillas, representan actitudes que hubieran facilitado la adopción del maíz y de tecnología usada para almacenarlo. Usando esta perspectiva nosotros argumentamos que la transición de recolección hacia agricultura tuvo sus raíces en el Arcaico Medio

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