Cowboy Wash

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Cowboy Wash is a site in southwestern Colorado, United States where in 1994 twelve human skeletons were found dating to the 12th century, seven of which exhibit signs of cannibalism.

1 Initial dig
2 Analysis of coprolite
3 Explanation
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Initial dig

The site, designated 5MT10010, dates to approximately 1150 A.D. It is located near Dolores, approximately 40 miles west of Mesa Verde, the famous Anasazi cliff dwelling.

Five of the skeletons at the site were from burials. The remaining seven resembled the bones of butchered animals. There were stone tool marks on them, and several looked like they had been stewed.

The initial excavation was supervised by University of North Carolina archaeologist Brian Billman. The land on which the site was located was owned by a local Ute religious leader, who supervised the dig and reburied the bones once the examination was complete.

[edit] Analysis of coprolite

The initial reports speculating that the seven humans had been cannibalized was met with skepticism from some scientists and criticism by some Native American groups. ^[1]

To demonstrate that the butchered humans were actually consumed, Richard Marlar, a University of Colorado molecular biologist tested a coprolite (human feces) found on site. It tested positive for the human muscle protein myoglobin, which indicates the feces was the remains of digested human flesh. ^[2]

[edit] Explanation

According to Billman, the current explanation for the apparent cannibalism was that drought struck the region, prompting groups to move and seek food. This led to territorial conflicts between groups and a decline in social order.