Description

In the Chihuahuan desert of northern Mexico, the Casas Grandes culture flourished in the regional centre of Paquimé from 1200-1400 AD. Paquimé is the largest known ancient Puebloan town and was a massive trade centre that specialized in exotic goods like macaws, turquoise, and sea shells. The people who lived in and around Paquimé used mortars and pestles to grind down food, pigments, and other materials. This equipment was often found clustered together in the same room, suggesting that grinding was a communal activity.