Mesa Verde's economy was more complex than might appear at first glance. Even within a small agricultural community, there undoubtedly were persons more skilled than others at weaving or leather, working or making pottery, arrowpoints, jewelry, baskets, sandals, or other specialized articles. Their efficiency gave them a surplus, which they shared or bartered with neighbors.
This exchange went on between communities too. Seashells from the coast, turquoise pottery and cotton from the south were some of the items that found their way to Mesa Verde, passed along from village to village or carried by traders on foot over a far flung network of trails.