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Geographical Review July 1995, 85(3), pp. 301-323. Indigenous Development of Mesoamerican Irrigation William E. Doolittle ABSTRACT This article examines dams, canals, control structures, and aqueducts associated with Mesoamerican irrigation systems. On the basis of their geographical patterning, indigenous development is the preferred explanation for the origin of canal-irrigation technology in prehistoric Mesoamerica. Changes in the features over time indicate that ancient irrigators were constantly struggling to ensure an adequate food supply. Some simple technologies eluded them, yet they did manage to create some complex ones. The evidence shows many gaps as well as periods of continued expansion. Indigenous development, though not easy to explicate, provides more insight into culture and technology than have previous explanations. Keywords: indigenous development, irrigation, Mesoamerica, technology. DR. Wm. DOOLITTLE is Professor of Geography at the University of Texas, Austin. To contact the author: Mail: Prof. William E. Doolittle Department of Geography/GRG 334 University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas 78712. U.S.A. Phone: (512) 232-1581 (office) (512) 471-5049 (fax) Electronic mail: dolitl@mail.utexas.edu Go to Dr. William E. Doolittle's Home Page   Back to July 1995 Table of Contents