Antelope Ruins Canyon de Chelley National Monument

by Debby Pueschel

Title

Antelope Ruins Canyon de Chelley National Monument

Artist

Debby Pueschel

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Photograph - Photograph

Description

Ingenuity. That is what the ancient Anasazi people of the Southwest United States, in the state of Arizona, the forerunners of the Hopi and Navajo people were. Creative, hard working, farmers, artists, weavers, traders, architects, master of disguise, these people knew how to survive the harsh summers and brutal winters.
For nearly 5,000 years, people have lived in these canyons - longer than anyone has lived uninterrupted anywhere on the Colorado Plateau. Today, Navajo families make their homes, raise livestock, and farm the lands in the canyons.
When visiting the actual canyon, you will see old verses new. Solar panels are displayed next to homes as are television dishes. Many of these home are next to the ancient ruins. Such a clash of cultures is spectacular.
WHile some families live in the canyon year round, most families return to the flat land to farm and prepare for the winter's food as did their ancestors. Once the crops are harvested, the families return to the Canyon Rim as school begins for the children. Winters also can be very harsh inside the canyon. Rains flood the rivers and flood. That is why the ancient ones lived in the high cliffs of the canyon.
These are brilliant people - many lessons can still be learned from their lives today.

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October 25th, 2019

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