We took a short walk about a half kilometre in total (a loop) to have a close-up view of the remains of a structure more than 800 years old. Our first experience ever with this type of structure.
In their time, most peoples were nomadic. But during the 1100’s Puebloan ancestors paused to farm in this area and built this structure. Out of the red bedrock rose this fantastic work of masonry 3 storeys high. Its viewable from miles away. Some think it looks like a castle rising above the plain. To our family it looked like a ship out of water.
“Help reduce the need for modern treatments by…”
There hasn’t been extensive work done on Wukoki, but the” walls have been re-mortared and capped to deter erosion.”
Wukoki is a modern Hopi word for “Big House”. It is believed that 2 or 3 prehistoric Indian families once inhabited this house, most likely of the Kayneta Anasazi culture. It’s possible that this house was a central site for both the Anasazi & Sinaguan (“without water”). It may have been larger than what is seen today, nobody really knows. It is believed that this was occupied from approx. 1120-1210.
There is an open plaza with flat sandstone where people might have gathered, or group activities/work may have taken place and children played (safer than in those cliff dwellings!), more inviting than the darkness of the small rooms.
Anders, little and hidden by the stone wall
Big House
Everette and Laars
Handsome husband
Laars-ipan
Mitchell
