Anasazi

Over eight hundred years ago, a people roamed the land of the present day four-corners region who the Navajo would later give the name, Anasazi, or ancient enemy.

Although it is popular belief that they migrated south and became the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico, no one knows for sure who they were, why they left, or where they went. During the fourteenth century, the Anasazi vanished from the area.

But what is certain is that these ancient people left their dwellings scattered throughout almost every canyon in the four-corners region. During the final two centuries before their disappearance, the Anasazi began to construct homes on high, nearly inaccessible ledges and cliffs, as if they were under pressure from another people and attempting to protect themselves.

One of my favorite hobbies is to trudge through and explore the same land where the Anasazi once dwelt. I am in awe at their craftsmanship and ingenuity. 

The following photos are of a few dwellings that I have come across during the last few years. With exception of some of the more popular ruins, I do not disclose their locations. These sites are sacred and should be treated as such.

Located in a little-known canyon that is choked with vegetation, this ruin is rarely visited. 

Can you imagine living here! Look at the dwellings along the seam of this sheer-faced cliff.

What is the meaning of these moon-like pictographs above this ruin?

A typical Anasazi granary.

Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park

A Park Ranger instructs a group at Balcony House in Mesa Verde National Park.

A whole new meaning to an upstairs bedroom.

The architecture of this ruin is very impressive. The corners and edges are very smooth, and the masonry perfectly fits the contour of the rocks. 

The stonework of this habitation is less perfect than some.  It is interesting to note the different levels of masonry skill.

Smith Ruin. This structure is located so far from anywhere that we decided that no one had ever given it a name.  So, we did. 

Like an island in the sea, this ruin sits isolated atop a slab of stone.

An Anasazi watchtower.

This ruin remains well hidden.  From above it is blocked from view, and from below it is protected by the chasm of a deep canyon.