Basketmaker Period

Definition

The Basketmaker Period refers to a time in the prehistory of the Ancestral Puebloans, lasting approximately from 1500 BCE to 500 CE, characterized by the development of basketry, agricultural practices, and sedentary lifestyles. During this period, the Ancestral Puebloans transitioned from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one that included farming, leading to more permanent settlements and the use of complex woven baskets for food storage and transport.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Basketmaker Period is divided into two sub-periods: Early Basketmaker (1500 BCE - 500 CE) and Late Basketmaker (500 CE - 750 CE), reflecting different cultural developments.
2. Basketry was essential during this time, with woven baskets being used for various purposes, including cooking, storage, and carrying items.
3. The introduction of agriculture allowed for the cultivation of crops such as corn, beans, and squash, which greatly supported population growth and sedentism.
4. During the Basketmaker Period, people began constructing pit houses—semi-subterranean dwellings that offered better insulation from temperature extremes.
5. This period set the foundation for more complex societal structures that would emerge in the following Puebloan periods, including increased trade and social organization.

Review Questions

• How did the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to agriculture during the Basketmaker Period impact Ancestral Puebloan society?
  • The shift from a nomadic lifestyle to agriculture allowed Ancestral Puebloans to establish permanent settlements, leading to increased population density. This change fostered more complex social structures and cultural practices as communities could cultivate land, store food, and develop specialized skills. The reliance on farming also resulted in advancements in technology, such as improved basketry techniques for food storage.
• Discuss the significance of basketry in the daily lives of people during the Basketmaker Period.
  • Basketry played a crucial role in everyday life during the Basketmaker Period. Baskets were used for multiple purposes including cooking, gathering food, and storing items, making them an essential part of domestic life. The craftsmanship involved in basket weaving not only showcased artistic expression but also reflected the cultural identity of the Ancestral Puebloans. As agriculture developed, specialized baskets facilitated efficient food management.
• Evaluate how the cultural developments of the Basketmaker Period set the stage for future advancements in Ancestral Puebloan society.
  • The Basketmaker Period laid critical groundwork for future advancements within Ancestral Puebloan society by establishing agricultural practices and sedentary living. This stability allowed for more elaborate social structures, architectural innovations like cliff dwellings, and increased trade networks. As communities became more complex and interconnected, they developed distinct cultural traditions that would significantly influence subsequent periods in Pueblo history.

Related terms

Ancestral Puebloans: A Native American culture that emerged in the Four Corners region of the United States, known for their unique adobe dwellings and complex societal structures.

Agriculture: The practice of cultivating plants and raising animals for food, which became a fundamental aspect of life during the Basketmaker Period.

Cliff dwellings: Unique residential structures built into the cliffs, which became prominent later in Ancestral Puebloan culture following the Basketmaker Period.