cave of the pot) is an archaeological site located in the Valle de las Cuevas in northwestern Chihuahua, Mexico.

[2] Groups of hunter-gatherers, possibly linked to the Mogollon, Anasazi, and Hohokam cultures, arrived in the region from the north[3][4] by following the Sierra Madre Occidental.

Over time, they gradually spread to river valleys, contributing to the development of the Paquimé culture in the Casas Grandes region.

Cueva de la Olla dates back to an earlier occupation stage known as Perros Bravos (transl.

The site's builders were likely villagers who made use of the local environment, cultivated corn, squash, and beans, and established a communal system for resource management.

[7] Cultural sites are located throughout the state of Chihuahua, with Paquimé serving as the region's central hub and commercial center.

[7] The challenging nature of this area shaped the distinctive traits of its inhabitants, who transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherers to sedentary farmers, cultivating both the land and animals.

[7] Sites of the culture are found from the Pacific Ocean coast to the Sierra Madre Occidental, spanning a wide range of ecological and climatic environments.

[7] The first stage is called the "desert" period, during which ancient natives created petroglyphs and cave paintings for ceremonial hunting events.

This region served as a passage for ancient groups, members of human migrations to the south (Mexico and Central America) in different epochs.

Around 3000 BCE, the first indications of Yuto-Aztec groups appear, which led to the displacement of the oldest Hohokam settlers to the east and west of the region.

[8] Around 700 CE, the Paquimé culture began to emerge in the region, marked by the introduction of agriculture and the construction of semi-underground adobe houses.

T-shaped doors were constructed in adobe walls, which were wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with a small height of barely one meter.

The complex includes seven rooms built inside a cave, along with a large circular barn that, from a distance, appears to be a giant pot.

[10] For the construction of the rooms and barn, cast adobe was used, reflecting the typical Paquimé architecture, including T-shaped doors.

This type of barn, similar to others in the highlands, such as those in Cacaxtla, Tlaxcala, and cuexcomates, serves as evidence of structures used for the storage of agricultural products, as well as for food and human subsistence.

It is believed to have been used to store amaranth seeds, epazote, dasylirion, guaje, and other items in quantities sufficient to last for 170 days.

It is believed that these designs invoked the protection of food and the well-being of the approximately 30 inhabitants, giving the structure a ceremonial nature.