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Salado
Artifacts and ruins left by the Salado people of southern New Mexico and Arizona indicated they were traders with other ancient Native American groups. This book tells all that is known about these people.
16 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 11, 2025
In October 2024 I picked up Salado, a short but engaging book from the Prehistoric Cultures of the Southwest series, published by the Western National Parks Association. I found it at the Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park in Globe, Arizona, during a visit to the area.
This book provides a concise yet fascinating overview of the Salado people, a prehistoric culture that thrived in the American Southwest before their mysterious disappearance around 1450. The Salado are notable for their cultural connections to both the Hohokam and Mogollon traditions. They were skilled farmers who developed innovative irrigation techniques and cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash. Their distinctive pottery—often adorned with vibrant black and white geometric designs—reflects a synthesis of influences from neighboring cultures, particularly the Hohokam. Additionally, the Salado played a significant role in trade networks that spanned the region, further linking them to other contemporary groups.
The book highlights key archaeological sites, including Besh Ba Gowah and Tonto National Monument, where visitors can see remnants of the Salado’s impressive architecture. These sites include multi-story stone pueblos that reveal their advanced building skills and community organization. The book also discusses settlements in the Salt River region, now submerged under Roosevelt Lake, and how these areas contributed to their agricultural and cultural legacy.
Archaeologists theorize that the Salado’s disappearance may have been caused by a combination of declining resources and the arrival of newcomers to the region, which may have created competition and conflict. It is believed that the Salado eventually migrated north, possibly integrating with or influencing the ancestors of the Hopi people.
What I appreciated most was how the book ties together the history and culture of the Salado, providing insights into their daily lives, their connections to the Hohokam and Mogollon cultures, and their ability to adapt to the challenging desert environment. It made an excellent companion to my visit, helping me better appreciate the unique sites I explored.
If you're visiting this part of Arizona or are interested in the Southwest's prehistoric cultures, this little book is a worthwhile read. It deepened my understanding of the Salado and solidified my memories of my trip to this remarkable region.
This book provides a concise yet fascinating overview of the Salado people, a prehistoric culture that thrived in the American Southwest before their mysterious disappearance around 1450. The Salado are notable for their cultural connections to both the Hohokam and Mogollon traditions. They were skilled farmers who developed innovative irrigation techniques and cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash. Their distinctive pottery—often adorned with vibrant black and white geometric designs—reflects a synthesis of influences from neighboring cultures, particularly the Hohokam. Additionally, the Salado played a significant role in trade networks that spanned the region, further linking them to other contemporary groups.
The book highlights key archaeological sites, including Besh Ba Gowah and Tonto National Monument, where visitors can see remnants of the Salado’s impressive architecture. These sites include multi-story stone pueblos that reveal their advanced building skills and community organization. The book also discusses settlements in the Salt River region, now submerged under Roosevelt Lake, and how these areas contributed to their agricultural and cultural legacy.
Archaeologists theorize that the Salado’s disappearance may have been caused by a combination of declining resources and the arrival of newcomers to the region, which may have created competition and conflict. It is believed that the Salado eventually migrated north, possibly integrating with or influencing the ancestors of the Hopi people.
What I appreciated most was how the book ties together the history and culture of the Salado, providing insights into their daily lives, their connections to the Hohokam and Mogollon cultures, and their ability to adapt to the challenging desert environment. It made an excellent companion to my visit, helping me better appreciate the unique sites I explored.
If you're visiting this part of Arizona or are interested in the Southwest's prehistoric cultures, this little book is a worthwhile read. It deepened my understanding of the Salado and solidified my memories of my trip to this remarkable region.
March 29, 2023
The Salados were a prehistoric culture settled in southern Arizona and New Mexico. This small book offers an overview of that culture.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews