Anazasi Ruins

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona was once the home of the ancient Anazasi.  Nestled on the canyon walls, these cliff dwellings provided shelter and protection from invaders.  No one knows when or why they left the area but thank goodness it's now a National Monument under the protection of both the Federal Government and the Navajo Nation.

"Anazasi Ruins"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

White House Ruins - Canyon de Chelly

Canyon de Chelly, just outside Chinle, Arizona, is an awesome trip back in time.  Home to the Anazasi or "Ancient Ones", the canyon has numerous ruins that are 1,000 years old.  This one is called "White House" since one of the dwellings on the upper ledge was white.  Now home to the Navajo, the canyon provides fertile farm land for their crops and livestock.

"White House Ruins - Canyon de Chelly"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Anazasi Newspaper

I'm not sure exactly what the message is in this petroglyph but it looks to me that the horse on the left has been running in a figure eight, going nowhere, while the horse on the right is turning his back and heading out.  What do you think?

"Anazasi Newspaper"   © Kathy Dunham 2010

Early Condominiums

Canyon de Chelly is a favorite spot of mine and its unique history adds to the charm. This is Antelope House, so named after the nearby petroglyphs on the canyon walls depicting antelopes. This was home to the ancient Anazasi. No one knows exactly why or when they left but what remains offers us a small window into their lives. These ruins are a marvelous wonder of architecture considering what building materials were available at the time.

"Antelope House" © Kathy Dunham 2008