Investor Presentaiton
Chihuahua's Indigenous People at Contact
The original inhabitants of Chihuahua belonged to a wide range of nomadic
and seminomadic groups of hunters, most of which are now culturally extinct.
According to the American anthropologist, Edward H. Spicer (1906-1983), the
Spaniards recognized the following as the primary language groups:
Tarahumaras
Janos
Warihios (Guarijios)
Sumas
Apaches (who arrived in the area by the 1650s)
Conchos
Tobosos
In referencing the "ethnic complexity of the region," William B. Griffen's
"Indian Assimilation in the Franciscan Area of Nueva Vizcaya" provides 127
tribal names for indigenous bands and tribal groups in the area the Spaniards
referred to as the "Greater Conchería." However, because this list included
"possible alternate designations" of some groups, Griffen only offers detailed
descriptions of 89 bands and tribal groups in all. However, Griffen also
cautions that a large number of these groups "are not placeable, linguistically
or geographically, except within rather broad limits."
Source: William B. Griffen, Indian Assimilation in the Franciscan Area of Nueva Vizcaya. Anthropological Papers of the
University of Arizona Number 33
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