"Michael Russell" wrote in message
news:9obni.38615$YL5.9664@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...
> Are there any archaeological sites (ruins, etc.) that you can visit in
> NORTHERN Mexico?
There are some beautiful pre-columbian archaeological sites running
clear up to Colorado. The native cultures in that part of Mexico didn't
leave behind much in the way of ruins, but there is Paquime:
http://www.desertsol.com/~chelby/mataortiz/paquime/ The ruins are a bit
different from what you find in Southern Mexico--big adobe buildings that
are slowly desolving in the rain. You can't actually walk in the ruins
anymore, but there's an excellent site museum and it's still interesting to
see. Paquime was a major trade center. Even though it's a long way from the
ocean they found tons of shells on the site.
You can pick up Casas Grande revival pottery at the museum and near the
site, but for best prices and selection drive over to Mata Ortiz.
http://www.mataortiz.com/aboutmata.htm Bargaining is expected and the more
you're buying the better leverage you have. "Big name" potters turn out very
fine examples with big price tags. Potters who don't have a name that the
collectors look for turn out pots that aren't as finely finished on the
inside, but just as beautiful for a much more reasonable price. (My personal
opinion is that "collectable" Mata Ortiz pottery is a scam. There's so much
of it that it will never appreciate back to what you paid for it in your
life time.) On the way to Mata Ortiz the old Rancho San Francisco ranch
headquaters is also worth the stop. The caretaker or his wife will give you
a tour of the place for a very nomimal fee.
I've heard stories about cave paintings and other basic primitive
artwork in Sonora, but nothing that sounded interesting enough that I
considered it worth the drive to see. The surviving examples seem to be in
places that are well off the beaten path.
For someone interested in pre-columbian cultures I also suggest
visiting the Seri and Tarahumara Indians. For the Seri there's a nice little
museum in Kino Bay and you can sometimes find Seri people selling iron wood
carvings and baskets there. The Seri started the iron wood carvings and turn
out examples that are very different from the carvings turned out in small
factories in that area. To visit the Seri where they live go to Puerta
Chica, just north of Kino Bay or Desemboque a bit further up the coast. I've
driven into Puerta Chica in a small sedan, but I reaaaaaaally do not
recommend it. A vehicle with good ground clearance is a much better idea for
either village. The Seri villages, particularly Puerta Chica, are very
poverty striken and not much to look at, but they sit in beautifully stark
desert areas right on the Sea of Cortez. In addition to carvings and baskets
they also make necklaces from stuff they find on the beach, mostly fish
vertabrae, and beads. Just stand in one place for a little while and the
crafts people will find you. Be prepared to bargain or you'll pay way too
much.
For the Tarahumara visit the Copper Canyon area. They turn out a lot of
nice baskets and simple hand woven belts. They also make some rather odd,
but interesting "violins". The best selection is in Divisidaro, but you can
find a lot of nice stuff at reasonable prices in Creel. There's a nice
little museum in Creel. If you have a sturdy vehicle the drive to Botapilias
is spectacular. There's also a small company that rents compact pickups you
can drive down there. You can get a Taxi to drive you there for a reasonable
price or ride the bus as well. I recommend the rustic little Casa Monse on
the river.
I'm wandering a bit off the subject. There's a lot to see in Northern
Mexico and I'd be happy to go into more detail if you're interested.
TB
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