ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the methodological problems encountered while designing the Bolson de Mapimi Archaeological Project and introducing social reproduction as a central topic. An archaeological investigation based on surface survey as a means for observing, recording and recovering archaeological data can be quite productive in an area like the Bolson de Mapimi. The activities identified as most important were derived primarily from archaeological projects carried on in adjacent or ecologically similar areas, primarily in the Chihuahua Desert, and from the ethnohistorical data dealing mainly with north-central and northeastern Mexico. The archaeological manifestations at the base camps are similar to those at other base camps; however, there is a higher frequency of siliceous raw materials represented than at base camps associated with springs. The archaeological materials and features are generally the same as found at other base camps; however, the hearths are found adjacent to the gravel areas as opposed to being in them.
