The Anasazi Yucca Ring Basket

Author

Sarah Peabody Turnbaugh, University of Rhode Island

Date of Award

1977

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Textiles, Fashion Clothing, and Related Art

Department

Textiles, Clothing and Related Art

First Advisor

Virginia Carpenter

Abstract

This study considers the Anasazi yucca ring basket of the Southwest, which is the oldest continuous form of plaited textile in North America. Four technological criteria, the method of manufacture, form and size, decoration, and materials used, are analyzed visually and statistically for both archaeological and ethnological specimens. Three culture periods are considered: the Basketmaker Period of ca. A.D. 1 to 700, the Early Pueblo Period of ca. A.D. 700 to 1300, and the Late Pueblo Period of ca. A.D. 1300 to the present.

Three hypotheses which pertain to continuity and change within the Anasazi sequence are tested. These hypotheses are:

H1: Variations in the four technological criteria reflect cultural continuity and change through time.

H2: Variations in the four technological criteria reflected varied cultural distribution and ecological adaptation in space.

H3: Change in life patterns, such as development of agriculture, climatic variability, and new trade outlets, have affected production of the ring basket.

For each hypothesis, the three criteria of method of manufacture, decoration, and materials used are explored visually. Six variables of the fourth criterion, that of dimension, are analyzed statistically. T-tests of means are used to evaluate the first two hypotheses. Analysis of variance (f test) and rho correlation are used to test the third hypothesis. All three hypotheses are confirmed through both visual and statistical evaluation. Ultimately, the results of this inquiry suggest that the study of the ring basket, as an element of material culture, can illuminate the nature of human adaptation and culture processes in the Southwest.

Recommended Citation

Turnbaugh, Sarah Peabody, "The Anasazi Yucca Ring Basket" (1977). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2058.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2058