High and Low
Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
This fascinating monument preserves the homes and territory of Ancestral Puebloans during the time periods of 1150 and 1600 AD, when they migrated from the Four Corners area of Mesa Verde, south to the Rio Grande. After 1600, they migrated once again to escape drought. The site consists of two main areas, the cliff dwellings here, and on the right lower down in Frijoles Canyon floor is the circular pueblo site of Tyuonyi (Que-weh-nee). Tyuonyi was significant, reaching three stories high.
One has to wonder, was this society separated into two classes, a wealthy one in the cliff dwellings with a better view and protection, high and low? Or was it simply a matter of architectural practicality, with the walls of the cliffs providing convenient support for additional structures? Since the Pueblo people left no written records, we may never know.
If you ever get to Bandelier, do make sure you have good walking shoes and be prepared for some climbing; the cliff dwellings are a fairly steep rise above Tyuonyi.
*Press L or left click on the photo for best viewing.
Link to ~My best photos~
*** All my photos are © All Rights Reserved. ***
High and Low
Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
This fascinating monument preserves the homes and territory of Ancestral Puebloans during the time periods of 1150 and 1600 AD, when they migrated from the Four Corners area of Mesa Verde, south to the Rio Grande. After 1600, they migrated once again to escape drought. The site consists of two main areas, the cliff dwellings here, and on the right lower down in Frijoles Canyon floor is the circular pueblo site of Tyuonyi (Que-weh-nee). Tyuonyi was significant, reaching three stories high.
One has to wonder, was this society separated into two classes, a wealthy one in the cliff dwellings with a better view and protection, high and low? Or was it simply a matter of architectural practicality, with the walls of the cliffs providing convenient support for additional structures? Since the Pueblo people left no written records, we may never know.
If you ever get to Bandelier, do make sure you have good walking shoes and be prepared for some climbing; the cliff dwellings are a fairly steep rise above Tyuonyi.
*Press L or left click on the photo for best viewing.
Link to ~My best photos~
*** All my photos are © All Rights Reserved. ***