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| An average sized earth oven used to bake lechuguilla yields relatively little energy relative to the cost. The World Bank estimates that an average person needs to consume 2000 kilocalories (KCAL) per day. But let's assume that the native peoples of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands were somewhat smaller and tougher and required only 1500 KCAL. Even so, a single oven would only feed five people for one day, yet hauling the raw materials, building the oven, and processing the food probably required at least two or three person days worth of effort. Based on experimental research by Phil Dering. Graphic by Carolyn Boyd. |