Regarding Sixteenth-Century Native Population Change in the Northern Southwest

Ramenofsky, Ann F.; Kulisheck, Jeremy

doi:10.2307/j.ctt183p8pq.10

Cited by 6 publications

(11 citation statements)

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“…Our population reconstruction contrasts with recent studies of Pueblo demography that hypothesize little to no depopulation before 1680 (29,(32)(33)(34)(35)(36), as well as radical high counter models proposing catastrophic depopulation beginning in the 16th century (37,56,57). Evidence for large-scale depopulation concomitant with the establishment of missions can also be found in other regions of the Southwest United States.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 98%

“…This figure sits remarkably close to the mean of our 5,000-to 8,000-person archaeological calculation, at 63% of the maximum regional population estimate. Combined with Kulisheck's evidence for sustained relative populations from field house data (29,(32)(33)(34)(35), the archaeological evidence and Zárate Salmerón's record suggest a modicum of demographic continuity from pre-Hispanic times into the early colonial period in the Jemez Province. In other words, the preponderance of historical and archaeological evidence indicates that no large-scale demographic collapse occurred before the first direct contacts between the Jemez and Europeans (pre-1541) or during the period of early Spanish exploration, before the establishment of permanent colonial settlements (1541-1598).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 84%

“…Estimates of terminal inhabitations in the 1640s represent a significant revision of previous assessments. Based solely on ceramic cross-dating, prior estimates had posited dates of final occupation up to 60 y later (26,33,36). Note that our study investigated population dynamics at large village sites only, however.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Historical records suggest that a deadly combination of pestilence, warfare, and famine initiated the depopulation of large Jemez villages (50,54). Archaeological studies indicate that dispersion to field house sites and migration to other regions could account for some of this population reduction as well (29,(32)(33)(34)(35)55).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…High counters estimate 30,000 residents or more on the eve of European contact, whereas skeptics reckon populations 1/10th that size (29,32,33). A dearth of census data hampers the construction of accurate estimates, with no vital records of births or deaths in the Jemez Province surviving the 17th century.…”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

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Native American depopulation, reforestation, and fire regimes in the Southwest United States, 1492–1900 CE

Liebmann

Farella

Roos

et al. 2016

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

117

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Native American populations declined between 1492 and 1900 CE, instigated by the European colonization of the Americas. However, the magnitude, tempo, and ecological effects of this depopulation remain the source of enduring debates. Recently, scholars have linked indigenous demographic decline, Neotropical reforestation, and shifting fire regimes to global changes in climate, atmosphere, and the Early Anthropocene hypothesis. In light of these studies, we assess these processes in conifer-dominated forests of the Southwest United States. We compare light detection and ranging data, archaeology, dendrochronology, and historical records from the Jemez Province of New Mexico to quantify population losses, establish dates of depopulation events, and determine the extent and timing of forest regrowth and fire regimes between 1492 and 1900. We present a new formula for the estimation of Pueblo population based on architectural remains and apply this formula to 18 archaeological sites in the Jemez Province. A dendrochronological study of remnant wood establishes dates of terminal occupation at these sites. By combining our results with historical records, we report a model of pre- and post-Columbian population dynamics in the Jemez Province. Our results indicate that the indigenous population of the Jemez Province declined by 87% following European colonization but that this reduction occurred nearly a century after initial contact. Depopulation also triggered an increase in the frequency of extensive surface fires between 1640 and 1900. Ultimately, this study illustrates the quality of integrated archaeological and paleoecological data needed to assess the links between Native American population decline and ecological change after European contact.

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