The museum is currently closed due to the pandemic.

From the Edge of Center: The Chacoan Outliers
January 25 – September 5, 2020

The Chacoan Culture flourished between AD 860-1150 and was originally centered at Chaco Canyon in Northwestern New Mexico. The Chacoans built immense great houses and great kivas capable of hosting large groups of peoples for ceremonies and other public activities.

While Chacoan Culture was centered within the canyon, its influence extended much further out. Throughout the San Juan Basin to the north as well as far south as the Zuni Mountains, there can be found outlying great houses that share many of the same features as those in Chaco Canyon, although generally on a smaller scale. Outlying great houses and great kivas have been found at Aztec Ruin and Salmon Ruin, both dating to the mid-12th and early 13th centuries, which show clear evidence of not only the spread of the Chacoan system, but also the continuation of Chacoan traditions beyond the decline of the Chacoan Heartland after AD 1150.

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology is proud to present this exhibition in cooperation with Salmon Ruins and the San Juan County Museum Association.