As part of a larger collaborative research program focused upon Puebloan developments in the Middle San Juan region of northwestern New Mexico, the Center for Desert Archaeology has received a $7,470 grant from the Western National Parks Association for a pilot study of Aztec Ruins ceramics and textiles/basketry curated at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Laurie Webster, Ph.D., and Lori Stephens Reed, M.A., spent the month of June 2004 at the American Museum studying textiles and ceramics, respectively, from the Aztec Ruin. The purpose of this research is to begin the process of understanding how these two craft products were produced and traded. The analyses focus on determining construction techniques, style, and, ultimately, place of origin for ceramics, textiles, and basketry found at Aztec Ruins.