Definition: The Basketmaker culture is the name archaeologists have given to a southwestern United States cultural group, following the Anasazi. The Basketmaker II period lasted from about AD 1-500, when the people followed a semi-sedentery hunter-gatherer lifestyle, but around AD 500 (Basketmaker III) period become the first agriculturalists, from AD500-1000. Settlements consist of small villlages of 6-10 structures. Predecessors to the pueblo peoples. Defining characteristic is, of course, baskets, but also a distinctive black-on-white ceramics. Oh, and no, archaeologists still haven't found a definable "Basketmaker I" cultural group.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Examples:
Black Mesa (Arizona)
