Norton and Ethel Allen among the Paipai

The traditional Paipai economy was based on a mixture of low- and high-elevation resources, including storable native plants, such as acorns, agave, piñón, chía and pamita seeds, tuna cactus fruit, and bisnaga buds; as well as animals like deer, desert hares, and wood rats (Michelsen 1970b:42; 1974:44). Clearly, the Paipai themselves were still using some ceramic vessels, but one wonders if the occasional visitors from southern California - like the Aliens, Henderson, Michelsen, and any adventurers inspired by the articles in The Desert Magazine (with its map showing how to find Santa Catarina) - created a small market for pots made specifically for sale to outsiders.