Archaeological Expedition Finds Indian Relics of Bygone Days in Trip to Newly Found Mimbres Valley

Many important discoveries are shown in the report of the Archaeological Expedition sent by the department of Anthropology to south western New Mexico to excavate the ruins of a recently discovered Indian village in the Mimbres Valley. The expedition, conducted by Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Cosgroves, found in the ruins of the village one of the best collections of Indian pottery that has ever been unearthed in that region. Although the party was unable to determine definnitely what type of Indians inhabited the village, the ruins of the house, the bones, pottery, and stone implements indicate that the dwellers were prehistoric Pueblos. The absence of any metal remains intimates that the Indians had never come under the influence of explorers. More than 1000 burials were brought to light.

The specimens of pottery found in the village are especially famous for the skilfully drawn designs of animals, accurate geometric figures, and pictures of hunting scenes. No other Indian pottery found in this region gives any indication that the prehistoric people were interested in depicting animal life. On many pieces of the pottery are pictures of the Indians shooting bears with bow and arrow others display fights between birds and deer.

When the burials were unearthed, the party observed that a bowl had been placed over the face of each body, and in the center of the bowl was a round hole. This custom is closely allied to a similar one of the prehistoric Indians of California.

Although there has been no trace of the Indians found anywhere else, and there are no indications of their later habitation, a comparison between the houses built by them and those of the Pueblos living in the northern part of the state at the present time shows a close similarity.

The excavations of the village occupied four years, and was completed last-summer. Native Mexicans were hired to assist in the excavation of the specimens, which demanded great care in handling, since they had lain a long time in the arid soil and has become fragile.

The collection, including specimens of pottery, human and animal bones, and stone weapons is now located in the Peabody Museum.