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Man Corn: Cannibalism and Violence in the Prehistoric American Southwest
This study of prehistoric violence, homicide, and cannibalism explodes the myth that the Anasazi and other Southwest Indians were simple, peaceful farmers.
Until quite recently, Southwest prehistory studies have largely missed or ignored evidence of violent competition. Christy and Jacqueline Turner’s study of prehistoric violence, homicide, and cannibalism explodes the myth that the Anasazi and other Southwest Indians were simple, peaceful farmers. Using detailed osteological analyses and other lines of evidence the Turners show that warfare, violence, and their concomitant horrors were as common in the ancient Southwest as anywhere else in the world.
The special feature of this massively documented study is its multi-regional assessment of episodic human bones assemblages (scattered floor deposits or charnel pits) by taphonomic analysis, which considers what happens to bones from the time of death to the time of recovery. During the past thirty years, the authors and other analysts have identified a minimal perimortem taphonomic signature of burning, pot polishing, anvil abrasions, bone breakage, cut marks, and missing vertebrae that closely match the signatures of animal butchering and is frequently associated with additional evidence of violence. More than seventy-five archaeological sited containing several hundred individuals are carefully examined for the cannibalism signature. Because this signature has not been reported for any sites north of Mexico, other than those in the Southwest, the authors also present detailed comparisons with Mesoamerican skeletal collections where human sacrifice and cannibalism were known to have been practiced. The authors review several hypotheses for Southwest starvation, social pathology, and institutionalized violence and cannibalism. In the latter case, they present evidence for a potential Mexican connection and demonstrate that most of the known cannibalized series are located temporally and spatially near Chaco great houses.
Until quite recently, Southwest prehistory studies have largely missed or ignored evidence of violent competition. Christy and Jacqueline Turner’s study of prehistoric violence, homicide, and cannibalism explodes the myth that the Anasazi and other Southwest Indians were simple, peaceful farmers. Using detailed osteological analyses and other lines of evidence the Turners show that warfare, violence, and their concomitant horrors were as common in the ancient Southwest as anywhere else in the world.
The special feature of this massively documented study is its multi-regional assessment of episodic human bones assemblages (scattered floor deposits or charnel pits) by taphonomic analysis, which considers what happens to bones from the time of death to the time of recovery. During the past thirty years, the authors and other analysts have identified a minimal perimortem taphonomic signature of burning, pot polishing, anvil abrasions, bone breakage, cut marks, and missing vertebrae that closely match the signatures of animal butchering and is frequently associated with additional evidence of violence. More than seventy-five archaeological sited containing several hundred individuals are carefully examined for the cannibalism signature. Because this signature has not been reported for any sites north of Mexico, other than those in the Southwest, the authors also present detailed comparisons with Mesoamerican skeletal collections where human sacrifice and cannibalism were known to have been practiced. The authors review several hypotheses for Southwest starvation, social pathology, and institutionalized violence and cannibalism. In the latter case, they present evidence for a potential Mexican connection and demonstrate that most of the known cannibalized series are located temporally and spatially near Chaco great houses.
547 pages, Hardcover
First published December 2, 1998
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About the author
Christy G. Turner II
10 books7 followersChristy Turner is an Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at Arizona State University.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 8, 2008
This book is controversial for one main reason: cannibalism in the ancient Native Americans. The modern-day tribes (such as the Hopi and Zuni) believe their ancestors are the Anasazi; they also don't agree that cannibalism was practiced in the past.
This book, by no means, says that ALL prehistoric groups practiced cannibalism, but that cannibalism and violence did happen. There is ample evidence, such as remains found with evidence of traumatic injuries within buried structures or missing body parts. These examples allow archaeologists to gain further insight into the past. Violence and cannibalism did not just suddenly appear. The environment was drastically changing and people were moving into new areas already occupied. Stress on the environment, as well as stress between groups led to violence.
It's a fascinating book and provides a greater understanding of the prehistoric past. I do understand the Native Americans' concern with the portrayal of violent ancestors, but, at the same time, all cultures have terrible histories, it does more harm to deny it and hide it then allow it to be known.
This book, by no means, says that ALL prehistoric groups practiced cannibalism, but that cannibalism and violence did happen. There is ample evidence, such as remains found with evidence of traumatic injuries within buried structures or missing body parts. These examples allow archaeologists to gain further insight into the past. Violence and cannibalism did not just suddenly appear. The environment was drastically changing and people were moving into new areas already occupied. Stress on the environment, as well as stress between groups led to violence.
It's a fascinating book and provides a greater understanding of the prehistoric past. I do understand the Native Americans' concern with the portrayal of violent ancestors, but, at the same time, all cultures have terrible histories, it does more harm to deny it and hide it then allow it to be known.
June 17, 2019
This is a scholarly work presenting the archaelogical evidence for cannibalism among the early Pueblo Indians ofbthe American Southwest. I found this fascinating and read it cover to cover. Those not interested in pouring over data tables or viewing examples of butchered human bones would find it less so, but the introductory material and case studies would still be of interest to those who enjoy reading about ancient Southwestern history.
May 29, 2018
I enjoyed Man Corn, but I think this work really is meant more for Anthropologists than the casual reader. This is not a dig at the work as I thought it was truly magnificent. I do mean to put the non Anthropologist reader in some perspective as it may not be the usual run of the mill book on Cannibalism that are popping up today. If you are looking for something Scholarly, this is for you.
October 9, 2007
The Hopi and Anasazi had lots in common with their neighbors to the south, including HUMAN SACRIFICE AND CANNIBALISM. It's a fascinating book (especially if you've been to Chaco Canyon)but it's 500 DENSE pages. Mostly for the anthropology/archaeology student.
September 17, 2009
Fantastically detailed, grisly volume of sparse, clinical prose detailing the (rare, but in a recurring pattern) evidence of mass violence and cannibalism centered around the Chaco Anasazi cultural finds. Pretty chilling; reads almost as a true-crime story, a thousand years old.
April 1, 2008
Absolutely LOVED this one. Controversial as hell, but, damned good argument, which I personally ascribe to about the Anasazi and them being cannibalistic.
March 8, 2013
This is meant as a text book I feel. It requires a working knowledge in osteology, archaeology and the Anasazi culture.
November 4, 2018
An important book about one of my obsessions. There was a whole lot of disarticulation going on in ancient Aztlán, and there's forensic evidence to prove it. Gonna have to blog about this one.
July 10, 2022
I agree that there is a science to digging stuff up, but the interpretation is mostly conjecture. I mean, we can't even interpret what happened last year with consistency or agreement. The descendants of these people live in the area and it says a lot about the culture doing the digging that they've only recently started asking those locals to interpret what is being dug up. The second star is for all the interesting pictures.
February 2, 2025
I find the follow-up conversations (journal articles) about this research more insightful than this book. The ELISA method was perceived as the gotcha evidence on cannibalism but few looked into the reliability of the method. I believe studies such as this one are so convinced any science is good science they begin to overlook a number of issues.
February 2, 2024
Fascinating breakdown of pre-colonial era cannibalism amongst Plains tribes, as well as a delve into meso-American sacrifice and cannibalism
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July 21, 2008The most comprehensive, beautifully presented, proof of cannibalism in the Four Corners area of America. circa 900 -1400 AD
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews