To study the ancient culture of the Anasazi, one must employ a variety of techniques. One such technique is to analyse the ruins and artefacts left by the Anasazi, in an attempt to answer questions surrounding their culture. Another, is to gain knowledge of the Ancient Pueblo Indians through studying the rituals and customs of the Modern Pueblo Indians. However, one should not disregard the influence of the Spanish on the later tribes, who upon entering the Southwest in the mid 16th century, attempted to inscribe the local populations with their religion and ideals. (Watson(b) 1953 p34) Obviously, the influence of Western Culture on these indigenous tribes has been enormous. Therefore, it must be remembered that explanations offered as to the meaning of certain architectural or artistic endeavours is based on circumstantial evidence only. Cultural context of a work or art, a custom or a ritual is of extreme importance, thus scientists can do little more that speculate on the meaning of works produced in the Anasazi context.
Scientists have identified and labelled five distinct, cultural 'signals' that indicate the presence of Anasazi in particular sites. These are:
- kiva
- unit pueblo
- orientation of kivas and unit pueblo's facing toward the south and southwest
- gray and white pottery
- pattern of burials in which the bodies are buried, lying on their side with their legs flexed up against their chest. The bodies also generally were laid faced south.
(Ferguson & Rohn p4)
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The Anasazi settled into the Mesa Verde region in approximately 550AD (Martell 1993) At this time they were living in Pithouses, making pottery and growing corn, MAIZE, and squash on the Mesa top.
Their history will be discussed briefly in the following categories:
The sections on Cliff Dwellings and Rock Art will go into further detail of these aspects of Anasazi culture.
Rohn 1977, p123 |
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