Customer Reviews

Prehistoric Astronomy in the Southwest

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Malville and Putnam bring an interesting and informative study with "Prehistoric Astronomy in the Southwest" (1993). As a means of understanding the now long disappeared life of the ancient Anasazi people the authors review several southwestern prehistoric Native American sites from an astronomy viewpoint.

With an eye to the sky, Malville and Putnam study Chaco Canyon (New Mexico), Hovenweep (Utah), Chimney Rock (New Mexico) Yellow Jacket (Utah), and Mesa Verde (Colorado), to form the basis of their scientific conclusions. The authors talk about the similarities and differences between each archaeological site. They make several informed suggestions about corner windows (page 35), sunrooms (page 39), the significance of carved spirals on cliff dwelling walls (page 44), ancient Anasazi male and female industry (page 52), T-shaped doorways (page 92), and much more. They think Anasazi life was continuously influenced by celestial activity and portents.

Proving conclusively that the ancients were fervent sky watchers, Malville and Putnam consider the subterranean Kiva, found at nearly all Anasazi locations, to be the principal astronomical symbol. This community central structure may have represented the center of the ancient cosmos. Much of Anasazi belief and living pattern may have focused around what happened in the Kiva as representative for what was seen in the sky.

Although this book is small (108 total paperback pages) its science is well documented (with 6 pages of endnotes). It offers dozens of black and white photos, sky charts, maps and illustrations (of particular interest is page 14's illustrated method for using a gnomon to locate "true north").

This is a very good book. It inspired family tours to most of its study locations (Yellow Jacket is unaccessible to the general public). Malville and Putnam is a must read for all students of the southwest, ancient astronomy buffs, and students of Native American archaeology. Amazon.com's price is good. Get your copy soon.