Great Secrets of Our National Parks
Some of the best findings by accidental anthropologists and studied experts.
Categories: Featured Travel Stories , Photo Gallery
By: TW Editors 06/01/2008
Chaco Canyon, NM
Anasazi’s Sun Dagger
In 1977, artist Anna Sofaer climbed up Fajada Butte to study the petrogylph art at Chaco Canyon. What she discovered caused a major shift in our understanding of the Anasazi who resided there until 1250 AD and their knowledge of astronomy.
She noticed that a beam of sunlight passing between two rocks bisected a spiral-shaped symbol on Summer Solstice. Curious if this “sun dagger” was indeed tracking the solar cycle, she returned to the site multiple times, noting the Winter Solstice was marked through a nearby rock, as were the Spring and Fall Equinoxes.
Her discovery led to a rethinking of what many had thought was a trade center; they noticed that the canyon is marked by 11 great houses seemingly oriented in solar, lunar and cardinal directions. Some researchers are shifting their earlier belief to the theory that Chaco Canyon was actually a center for ceremony.
Although we can no longer witness the Sun Dagger in action today (the rock slabs shifted in 1989), Anna’s story does demonstrate how alert park visitors can improve our understanding of our history.
When you visit your parks, enjoy them for all they offer but also keep your eyes open. Many great secrets remain inside our national parks.
DIGG | del.icio.us | REDDIT