The most common name being given to the ancient people of the southwest is 'ancestral puebloan,' a term that more closely defines the archaeologiclally proven and culturally preferred means of relating the 'ancient ones' to their modern-day Pueblo and Hopi descendents. Ansasazi is a Navajo-derived term that roughly interpets as 'ancient ancestors,' but that depends on whom you talk to. While the term "Anasazi" has great design elements, it is not related to the culture. The Navajo and the "ancient ones" are not related. Each of the 17 different contemporary Puebloan communities, plus the Hopi and other tribal groups ARE related, and have their own terms to describe and relate to the people who once inhabited the southwest. I like the interpretation of the Tewa (northern Pueblo) word "seda ....those long ago people to whom we are ALL related." The word "ALL" prescribes a way of behaving when visiting sites. Though the human form is long gone, there is a spirit that remains. One that requires respect. My favored ancient homescape is Cedar Mesa in southeastern Utah's Bears Ears National Monument. I wear that country like an old comfy flannel shirt. Every walk there is an inspiration. Every footstep a prayer.
Visit my Personal Projects: Sacred Evidence to see BW images on this subject.
Artifacts shown in this gallery were made as part of the Wetherill-Grand Gulch Research Project, resulting in the book "Cowboys and Cavedwellers," SAR Press. AMNH is American Museum of Natural History. EofC is Edge of the Cedars Museum. And "in-situ" is just what it says, items found and hopefully remain in the "outdoor museum" within Bears Ears NM, a place where the context for all such artifacts will, hopefully, remain intact.
