Throughout the past century, Mimbres pottery has been looted from burial sites across southern New Mexico, given the intense interest in the markings and decoration frequently found on pots. The plunder of Mimbres burial sites by pot hunters gave rise to various laws designed to protect sites for archaeological research. Oftentimes, archaeologists got to sites only after pot hunters had dug up or even bulldozed the location.

On Feb 5, 2022, the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society will offer a virtual tour of one Mimbres archaeological site called the “Mattocks Site”. The Mattocks Site was first excavated in 1929-30, and then again in the 1970s. Two two people involved with the second excavation and remaining site preservation will discuss Mimbres culture and history, the site excavation itself, and subsequent efforts to preserve the site.
The virtual tour is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. The virtual tour will take place from 11:30AM – 12:45PM MST. Click here for more registration information.