Prehistoric peoples of the northern Chihuahuan Desert
— David T. Kirkpatrick and Meliha S. Duran

Paleoindian, Archaic, and Jornada Mogollon peoples have left evidence of their lifeways throughout south-central New Mexico. Archaeological sites bear evidence of human use of this region for over 11,500 years. The various groups of prehistoric and historic Native American hunters and gatherers and agriculturalists adapted to changing enviromental conditions in the northern region of the Chihuahuan Desert. Our knowledge of the chronology and cultural histories of these groups has been obtained through numerous archaeological surveys and results of a few excavations. The archaeological record contains data that provide infomation on how these peoples adapted to changing environmental conditions.