Archaeologists have apparently held very contentious debates over the last several decades as to the nature and extent of ritual cannibalism in the Prehispanic American Southwest. How, and with what evidence has our understanding of cannibalism among the Ancestral Puebloans changed over time?

This is really a question for an anthropologist. This topic is hotly contested as sources for all cannibalism are disputed. Many think that these stories are spread to discourage contact with others.

There are three answers. Ritual cannibalism- to gain personality or powers from the Deceased. 2. Desperation cannibalism- plane crash, shipwreck type situation. The American SW has very little in the way of large fauna to eat, and the main source of protein were a Turkey at the biggest. 3. Bluff- A protective device to get people to leave them alone. Or spread by rivals to say something nasty.