Archaeology of the Middle Río Balsas Basin, Mexico

Archaeological reconnaissance and excavations in the Río Balsas drainage basin of Guerrero and Michoacán were undertaken by parties from the University of New Mexico during the summers of 1939 and 1941. As a result of the first summer's work, three publications have appeared. This paper will cover the archaeological remains in the Middle Rio Balsas Basin of Guerrero and Michoacân. It will include the results of both summers' work and be based on surface observations and collections, and on excavations conducted at three sites.For the most part the reconnaissance was undertaken on foot or horseback, inasmuch as the few roads that existed in the area were made impassable for vehicles by the summer rains.