Definition: The Cochise culture is the name given to preceramic cultures of the American southwest, particularly Arizona, between 12,000 and 2,000 years ago. The name was assigned in the 1930s by several archaeologists, including E.B. Sayles and Ernst Antevs. Since then, the term has been largely (but not entirely) superceded by more general terms used for the same periods in the greater North American continent: Paleoindian (12,000-6,000 years ago) and Archaic (6000-2000 years ago).
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. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
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. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
