"..... What's really important is the world view of each historical period, what the people were feeling and thinking. History is supposed to provide a knowledge of the longer context within which our lives take place. History is not just the evolution of technology; it is the evolution of thought. By understanding the reality of the people who came before us, we can see why we look at the world the way we do, and what our contribution is toward further progress. We can pinpoint where we come in,....in the longer development of Civilisation, and that gives us a sense of where we are going. "

        Redfield, J. "The Celestine Prophecy" p20.

        The ANASAZI, ('anaa' - war, alien, enemy and sazi - ancestor, ancestral ) is a name of Navajo origin, meaning "ancestral aliens or enemies." (McPherson 1992, p78) This term is used to describe an ancient race of Pueblo Indians who resided in Southwestern USA for a period of approximately 2000 years. This habitance lasted from 700BC to the arrival of the SPANIARDS in the Southwest, in the 16th century. (Ferguson & Rohn, 1987) The ancestors of the Anasazi are believed to have come from Asia, across a land bridge connecting what is now Siberia and Alaska, and migrated south till they reached the Four Corners Region of the USA. At this time, they met other Indians who were farmers, who donated seed and thus, the Anasazi settled and began farming the land. (Watson p30-31)

        The Navajo, describe the history of the Anasazi in markedly different terms. Their myth of Anasazi creation is worth comparing to the Western explanation of origin.

        In the Four Corners region, the Anasazi settled into four main areas:

        1. Northern San Juan ( including Mesa Verde )
        2. Chaco Basin
        3. Kayenta
        4. Little Colorado - Zuni River Valleys

        For deeper analysis, the focus of this project will be on the Art & Architecture from the Northern San Juan area, particularly the Mesa Verde area. Other areas may be mentioned, but will not be discussed in any detail.

        Around 1300 AD, the Anasazi left Northern San Juan, Chaco Basin and Kayenta and migrated to the Little Colorado area. Many theories and speculations have been offered to explain this migration south. The most common explanation is environmental - a population increase together with a drought forced the 50,000 or so inhabitants to leave the area. Another plausible explanation is that they were forced out by enemy tribes. (Ferguson & Rohn 1987 ) It remains a mystery as to why they left. Again Navajo folklore offers an alternative view.

        Regardless of the cause, the Anasazi departed from this area, leaving behind a region full of historic artefacts, questions, mysteries and inspirations.

        Other Sections in Introduction

        • The Anasazi
        • The Mesa Verde
        • Time Line

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