University of Arizona

                                             Special Collections will be closed December 20, 2023 through January 1, 2024 in observance of the University Holiday break.

Who Were the Big Bend Basket-Makers?

1939
MS 125
Collection Guide
Artifacts from Big Bend Basket Maker Caves, undated

George Castor Martin was a historical writer from Terrell Wells, TX. The collection contains a typescript about the archaeology of early native peoples in the southwest region of Texas and across the border into Coahuila, Mexico. Martin describes a culture, also referred to as Toboso, that he has named the Big Bend Basket-Makers, because of similarities with the Basket Makers of Arizona and New Mexico. He discusses linguistic groups and migrations, as well as diagnostic traits related to skull shape, textiles, baskets, cloud-blowers, and projectile points. Photographs of a map and projectile points are attached. The title page includes a holograph inscription: "Copy made for William A. Duffen, compliments of George C. Martin."

Included materials:
Manuscript
Subject Area:
Anthropology & Archaeology
Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
Collection Area:
Arizona & Southwest

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.