12 The Mexican Legacy in Nicaragua, or Problems when Data Behave Badly

Investigations over the past 15 years have sought archaeological evidence for Mexican migrants to Pacific Nicaragua, as indicated in ethnohistorical origin myths and as embraced by contemporary popular culture. Extensive excavations at three Postclassic sites have provided evidence of domestic architecture, foodways, mortuary remains, and religious practices—all considered to be potential archaeological indicators of ethnicity, but none of which provide strong evidence of Mexican identity. A larger theme is the contemporary reaction to challenging the identity of the indigenous ancestors. This paper discusses the Mexican legacy in Nicaragua, and strategies for negotiating popular ideology with badly behaved archaeological data.