What Mystery? and Other Essays

Here is a collection of occasional essays I've written in the last couple years. I wrote some just to satisfy my own curiosity and others in response to requests from other publications or web sites. A few started out as chapters of longer works and were edited out because they were too technical or too controversial. Others are rough gems that may eventually find their way into more formal publications.

I welcome questions and comments on all of them. Please feel free to send your comments and questions to Essays@AnasaziAdventure.com.

What Mystery?

After a century of research, archaeologists have answered most of the questions posed by 19^th century explorers. We now know who the Ancestral Puebloans ("Anasazi") were, how they lived, why they built massive pueblos and spectacular cliff dwellings, how their society collapsed, and where the survivors went. In spite of this knowledge, a few people still say that the people "vanished mysteriously." This essay is extracted from the forthcoming Ancestral Puebloan Primer explains how the myth got started.

What is a Kiva?

Kivas are defining features of Anasazi sites and you will see one or more at each site you visit. For example, 25 kivas are visible at Pueblo Bonito and archaeologists believe there are at least 8 more buried beneath subsequent buildings. This  essay  will help you understand what a kiva is and what you are looking at when you see one.

Echoes of Pipe Spring

Interpreters at Pipe Spring National Monument usually focus on Windsor Castle, a fortified stone ranch house built by 19^th century Mormon occupants. The Castle's story is fascinating and well worth telling, but I found something at least as interesting while I was volunteering at the Monument. 

Watter at Pipe Spring has attracted visitors for thousands of years. Paleo-Indian and Archaic residents drew from the spring as did Basketmaker and Ancestral Puebloan occupants. At the end of the day, after closing buildings, feeding animals and tallying receipts, I occasionally heard echoes of the older story described in this brief essay. 

What  is a Chacoan Great House or Outlier

Archaeologists describe several structures as "Chacoan Outliers." Examples include Lowry Pueblo as well as Aztec and Salmon Ruins. All told, more than 200 Chacoan Outliers have been mapped and archaeologists use specific criteria to identify them. This essay explains the criteria. 

What's in a Name?

Some Native American groups object to the name, "Anasazi," and the National Park Service has adopted a more neutral phrase, "Ancestral Puebloans."  Archaeologists continue call the ancient people Anasazi, but many have some reservations.  This essay explains the controversy as well as some recent wrinkles.  

The Adventurers’Companion: Point and Shoot Photography

Written for users of compact digital, point and shoot cameras, this illustrated booklet introduces ten techniques to help users create memorable photographs.  It does what no camera manual does—shows you how to apply your camera’s technology to create striking images.

Southwestern Peoples Timeline

From the end of the Archaic Era through the Spanish conquest, eight native cultures dominated the southwest. This handy timeline extracted from America's Southwestern Treasures places the Ancestral Puebloans, Hohokam, Fremont and other ancient people in an historical context leading up to the Spanish Entrada and Navajo resettlement of the four corners area.

A Real Mystery: Who Were The Salado?

The Salado produced incredibly beautiful  ceramics, but little more is known about them. They appeared suddenly in the 10^th century, occupied portions of the Hohokam homeland, and disappeared in the 15^th. This brief essay extracted from America's Southwestern Treasures summarizes what we know of them.

A Real Mystery: What Happened to the Gallina?

[Please be patient; I'm still editing this essay and will post it in a week or two.] The Gallina occupied small parts of north central New Mexico. They are known only from a handful of sites including Nogales Cliff House Ruins, Rattlesnake Ride Ruins, and Guadalupe Ruin. Some archaeologists believe they were wiped out by other Puebloans. Little is certain and this brief essay summarizes current thinking.

Entertaining Non-Photographers

[Please be patient; I'm still editing this essay and will post it in a week or two.] Traveling with family and friends is one of the most rewarding parts of any vacation. Unfortunately, conflicts may arise if your companions don't share your love of photography. They may be ready to move on while you are still framing a shot or adjusting your tripod and there's a good chance they won't appreciate the care with which you check exposures.

I first assembled these tips when my son was considerably younger. They kept him entertained while I concentrated and probably contributed to his love of photography. 

Acknowledgments

Leading archaeologists, National Park Service personnel and Native Americans have all helped me understand the ancient southwest. These acknowledgments recognize those who have contributed most.

Resume

I've been fascinated by ancient peoples of the southwest for over three decades. This shortened version of my curriculum vita lists other activities that have entertained and supported me during this period.