John M. Goggin

Underwater Archaeology: Its Nature and Limitations

The recent development of efficient free-diving apparatus has made possible underwater exploration for both sport and science. Human and cultural remains underwater are being extensively exploited. Although the term “underwater archaeology” is frequently applied to such activities, most are at the best only underwater salvage. Archaeological remains in lakes, springs, rivers, or the sea have considerable to offer. Perhaps their greatest value is the more complete condition of such artifacts in contrast to similar remains on land. However, they often suffer from decomposition, impregnation with minerals, or incrustation by algae or corals. Although context and sequential (or stratigraphic) position are not so easily found or recognized as on land, they are present in many cases. Any body of water is a possible site of study, but in practice, areas of potential importance are limited by location, depth, visibility, and bottom factors. There are four major types of underwater archaeological sites: (1) discarded refuse and “lost” material; (2) submerged sites of former human occupation; (3) shrines or places of offerings; and (4) shipwrecks.

An Archaeological Survey of the Rio Tepalcatepec Basin, Michoacán, Mexico

THE Tepalcatepec Basin lies in west central Michoacan, about 250 miles west and south of Mexico City. It can be reached in the dry season by a road that leads south from Uruapan.2 The area covered is in a large valley (50 by 35 miles) limited on the south and west by the Rio Grande de Tepalcatepec and on the east by the Rio Marques (Rio Cupatitzio). The northern limit is approximately the 700-meter contour where the foothills rise abruptly to the Sierras surrounding Mt. Tancitaro. This valley extends northwest some distance up the east side of the Rio Tepalcatepec.

The Mexican Kickapoo Indians

T HE EXISTENCE of Kickapoo Indians living in northern Mexico has been known in a general way to many anthropologists, but the groups reputation for hostility has been such that few people have attempted visiting or studying them. Nevertheless, Mexican anthropologists have been aware of their existence and they have been the subject of a recent small book by Alfonso Fabila.1 They were also given a chapter in a recent general survey of Mexican Indians.2 Because of the unusual nature of these people and since virtually no data are available in the literature, a brief note for North American anthropologists on their present status and culture and on the outlook for intensive study seems desirable.3 HISTORY