Growing a Livelihood

In this settlement, farming, craft, and trade thrived. The area was a small part of the farmland cultivated by the people of Montezuma Castle. Crops provided more than food, and the community's economy may have been based largely on trade and craft specialization, including cotton weaving. Textiles were important for everyday use, trade, and ceremonies, creating high demand for cotton. People also transplanted and cultivated agave for fibers used to make strong twine for ropes, nets, cords, bags, and sandals, while roasted agave hearts provided a sweet food with calories equal to corn. Archeological sites in the valley have yielded abundant fiber cordage and numerous stone knives for harvesting and processing agave. Agave remains important to Yavapai and Apache cultures and is celebrated in modern agave harvests and roasts. The site includes a larger group of dwellings beyond the Castle, including Castle A and numerous cavates and alcoves, and excavations revealed shoes of agave fibers and leather created by the Castle's prehistoric occupants.

Arizona · United States