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Casa Grande Ruins National MonumentThe Cactus Wren is the Arizona state bird.
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Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Exchanging Goods and Ideas
The Hohokam exchanged goods and ideas, made long-distance expeditions to procure exotic raw materials, and produced prestige items such as carved shell, for exchange. These activities occurred among the Hohokam and with other cultural areas. Interaction with other groups is indicated by the presence of macaws, copper bells, and pottery from other regions.
 
This very large olla was nearly intact when found at Casa Grande Ruins.
NPS Photo


Large pottery vessels were used
for water and food storage and
saguaro wine cooking.

When different types of temper
were added, a vessel became
more porous and acted as an
evaporative cooler, producing
chilled water. 

This olla was found near the Great
House and is 3-ft. tall.

 

 

The Hohokam had to have something to exchange, so they produced and traded large storage jars, pottery with intricate designs, and even jewelry made from seashells. Hohokam exchange systems reached their maximum extent between AD 800 and 1000 and items they created have been found hundreds of miles from their homeland.


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Examples of pendants created and traded by the Hohokam  

Did You Know?
The Hohokam made shell jewelry including bracelets, rings, necklaces and pendants. Some of the jewelry was inlaid with turquoise while others had designs etched into the surface. The shells were acquired from as far away as the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California.

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Last Updated: August 21, 2006 at 15:32 EST