This morning we left the motor home (the Rollin’ Ranch House) at the RV park and headed for Springerville, AZ, about 40 miles from Show Low. We arrived at the museum just before 9:00 and were able to get on the first tour of the Casa Malpais ruins.
We were the only 2 on the tour and the tour guide (I did not get his name) was so knowledgeable and informative as well as entertaining. The tour involved a lot of hiking over very rocky ground and we are at the 7000’ level, so needless to say he had to be very patient with us old folks with bad knees.
The former inhabitants of this site, Mogollons, as they are called by archeologists, lived here about 120-130 years and built houses that were 2 and 3 stories tall, in about 1268 to 1400 AD. Archeologists can only make educated guesses as to how they lived and it is assumed that they were farmers as well as hunters and gatherers. However, no one knows why they left this area, although several Nations claim them as ancestors including the Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, and the Acoma nations.
There is a constant source of water with the Little Colorado River as well as several springs nearby,so crops would have thrived. Also found are the remains of antelope and rabbit to verify the hunting aspect of the culture. Almost nothing is known of the social structure of the peoples and why they left and where the went is still a mystery.
All we have left is a lot of theory and many, many questions!
A petro glyph and a grinding stone.
There are a number of petro glyphs in the area, some of which appear to correspond to the “calendar” used by the Ancients to plan planting and growing times.
This is the “calendar”….note the openings in the walls. The sun coming through the openings appears to strike one or another of the petro glyphs and it is assumed that is how they knew when to plant. It has been determined that summer solstice and the winter equinox played a huge role in the farming schedule as well as other activities.
More Petro glyphs
Note the free standing rock column….it is believed to have been a rapture tether to hold eagles and other birds for their feathers used in their ceremonial garb.
Kiva, or meeting place….probably had a roof made of timbers carried from the pine forest a couple of miles away.
Pot shards
Unknown as to if this rock was a tool, however it seems to have a thumb spot perfect for a handle.
Another grinding rock…….
Overviews of the site…….these building were thought to be 2 and 3 stories tall. Most of what we see now has filled with earth and stone over the centuries.
It is very windy here and so this ‘village’ was strategically built to be protected by the high cliffs behind it.
There is a narrow and very steep passage to climb to the top of the cliff with well worn hand holds to assist the climb. Bill and the guide climbed to the top and I stayed below and watched for snakes!!!
We are always amazed and fascinated when we visit these sites and are in awe of the “Ancient Ones” and how they lived. This was a great tour and we recommend that if you are anywhere near Springerville, AZ put Casa Malpais on your list of places to see and experience.
Before we left Springerville we had to take a photo of the new church in town, especially of the doors.
This picture does not do justice to the beautiful carvings on the doors.
Also found this cabin which is one of the first houses built in Springerville.
From here we went to Fort Apache and Kinishba Ruins………….but that will have to wait until tomorrow………………….
1 comment:
I enjoyed that tour. Can't wait to see Fort Apache!
Post a Comment