We went for a guided tour of Cliff Palace this morning with 50 strangers and a tour guide that knew less than we did after reading the info packet last night. She had a response to questions that seemed a little vague. "Sure!" She asked one lady if she answered her question and the tourist replied "No". What do you expect for $5?
This a view from the overlook before we descended into the village. They estimate 150 people lived here about 700 years ago before a mass exodus for unknown reasons.
This was an agricultural society and they would grow their crops and hunt for game up on the mesa just above the village. There were no ropes or ladders leading to the top, as these people were all rock climbers!
So essentially, everything was carried down the sheer walls to the kitchen, presumably on their backs. Peggy, do you ever bemoan having to carry the groceries up to the second floor of your house? Consider the alternative!
They did use ladders within the village to get from one story to the next, as these structures were sometimes 4 stories tall.
Yes, we really were here.
Below is a picture of a Kiva, looking down from above. This round room had a wood roof with a hole in the middle to let the smoke escape from the fire. The round depression in the bottom of this pit is the fire ring. The roof hole was also the entrance/exit to this room via a ladder to the floor. You can also see holes at the base of the wall which is how the fresh air entered. It's believed this was sort of a living room/ spiritual gathering place.
Learning of the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo People really makes us appreciate what a cushy existence we have. I'll bet there were no slackers in that society. Interestingly, this area is known for it's advanced culture and was a mecca for travelers as far away as Mexico. Many people traveled here to trade and settle down, which helped the gene pool, not to mention sharing knowledge.
Tomorrow we hit the road again. Not sure where we'll stop, as we're just putting miles on to get closer to our final destination. We will be in Colorado Springs soon and we intend to explore that area a little.
Hi Dave and Sue, I think the Mesa Verde guides have it easy. Since not much is known about the ancient Pueblo Indians, they can just say “That’s not known.” Nice virtual tour by you! I learned a lot.
ReplyDeleteI love how visiting the ancestral people makes you think about what a cushy life we have. I think you would do well in that society as a 5 acres and free person. You could make hat cabinets for everyone to put their “Indian Headresses” in. I’m not sure how Lehman would fare with his fru fru coffee requirements.
ReplyDeleteI think I would have to be a cabinet maker Brian because I would be scared to death climbing those walls without a rope. I suspect there really were individuals who never left the village for that very reason. As Janet said, no one knows for sure.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great time! Wish I was there too :)
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