Description
The Eastern Mimbres Archaeological Project, directed by Professors Margaret Nelson and Michelle Hegmon, has been working in southwestern New Mexico for more than a decade. It is concerned with investigating socio-ecological processes associated with the elaborate developments during the Classic period (AD 1000-1130) and the regional reorganization in the subsequent Postclassic. Some of the key issues include the ecological and social aspects of human impacts, changing patterns of inter-regional interaction, and interpretations of the spectacular Mimbres pottery painting.

Ongoing work (2005) includes analysis of ecological and architectural data, and the establishment of an on-line archive of Mimbres pottery designs. In the near future, the project plans to focus on later Postclassic settlements, possibly including extensive excavations involving a field school.

EMAP hosted ASU field schools for many years, and research on the material and in the field is ongoing, with many opportunities for student participation. EMAP data records and many of the collections are stored or housed at ASU.

Sources of Funding
EMAP work has been and is being supported by:
The Turner Foundation
the National Geographic Society
Sigma Xi
Arizona State University
State University of New York, Buffalo
New Mexico State University.

Publications
A bibliography of EMAP publications

Presentations and Events
EMAP has also developed a public outreach program, including a museum exhibit (first displayed in the Museum of Anthropology at ASU Main) and also at University of Colorado, Boulder, Museum of Natural History.

See the online virtual tour of that exhibit.

Teacher resources and curriculum materials for K12 classrooms have also been developed based on EMAP materials.

Contact: Michelle Hegmon