Year of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Name

Anthropology (Forensic Anthropology Option)

Other Degree Name/Area of Focus

Forensic and Molecular Anthropology

Department or School/College

Department of Anthropology

Committee Chair

Meradeth Snow

Commitee Members

Michael Searcy, John Douglas, Katherine Scot, Denghui David Xing

Keywords

ancient DNA, Identity, Isotopes, northern Mexico, Ritual violence, sacrifice

Abstract

The prehistoric site of Paquimé, located in the Casas Grandes region of northern Mexico, was a major regional center characterized by its complex sociopolitical organization, distinctive architecture, and evidence of ritualized behavior. Previous research has documented skeletal trauma and processing patterns consistent with ritual violence within the Paquimé skeletal assemblage, including human sacrifice and cannibalism. However, questions remain regarding the identities of these individuals and the reasoning behind their selection for targeted violence by the community. Did an individual’s age, biological sex, kinship affiliations, and/or migrant status predispose them to these ritually violent acts? To address these gaps, this dissertation combined osteological, ancient DNA, and isotope analyses to identify the presence of ritual violence and reconstruct age, biological sex, geographical origins, and genetic relatedness among victims.

Collectively, resulting data (collected with approval from the Mexican Consejo de Arqueología (oficio 401.1S.3-2025/1928) suggests that ritual violence at Paquimé was highly variable and included multiple forms of sacrifice targeting distinct demographic groups, including male children and older adolescent females of non-local status. Additionally, processing signatures consistent with cannibalism were identified among both local and non-local individuals of varying ages and sex, suggesting both endo- and exo-cannibalism were practiced at Paquimé.

These findings demonstrate that ritual violence at the site was socially structured and likely deeply integrated into broader ceremonial practices. Similarities in victim demographics, sacrificial behaviors, and anthropophagic practices suggest continuity with wider Mesoamerican traditions while reflecting localized expressions of ritual violence within the Casas Grandes region. By integrating osteological and biomolecular approaches, this dissertation provides the first comprehensive reconstruction of ritual violence at Paquimé and contributes to broader bioarchaeological discussions concerning human sacrifice, cannibalism, and individual identity in ancient Mexico.

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© Copyright 2026 Lacy Jaide Hazelwood