PDF Summary:The Lost World of the Old Ones, by David Roberts

In The Lost World of the Old Ones, David Roberts delves deep into the ancestral Southwest's mysteries, tracing his journeys into remote landscapes once inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans and Fremont peoples. He unearths fascinating debates on the prehistoric cultures' architecture, pottery, and rock art—as well as controversies over how to define and interpret their vanished societies.

Roberts explores the controversial "Chaco Meridian" theory linking major prehistoric sites and navigates the complex relationship between the Navajo Nation and the region's archaeological sites. His expedition ultimately reveals enthralling insights into both humankind's distant past and the urgent challenges of preserving its irreplaceable remnants.

(continued)...

• Start a "Crazy Idea" journal where you record ideas you initially dismiss, then revisit them periodically to see if your perspective changes over time. This can be particularly enlightening as you may find that ideas that once seemed outlandish now appear feasible or even prescient, highlighting the evolution of your thought process.
• Engage in conversations where you play the 'devil's advocate' with friends or family. When a topic arises, take the opposite stance, even if it's not your true belief, and argue its merits using evidence-based reasoning. This exercise will sharpen your ability to see multiple sides of an issue and strengthen your argumentation skills using evidence, similar to a debate setting.
• Organize a monthly "idea exchange" meetup with friends or colleagues where everyone brings a non-mainstream book or article to discuss. The goal is to expose each other to different viewpoints and challenge the status quo. During these sessions, focus on understanding the rationale behind these ideas and consider how they could be applied or tested in your own life or within your community.
• Experiment with orienteering in your local area to appreciate the complexity of navigation without modern technology. Start by getting a basic map of a nearby park or forest and use it to navigate to specific points without relying on GPS. Pay attention to natural landmarks and your sense of direction to enhance your spatial awareness and understanding of the environment, similar to how the Puebloan ancestors would have navigated.
• Create a small-scale model of a landscape using items like rocks, sand, and sticks to simulate topography and landmarks. Once your model is complete, practice aligning objects within the model using only visual cues and simple tools like strings and sticks to draw straight lines. This will help you grasp the principles of alignment and surveying in a controlled, manageable setting.
• You can observe the moon's patterns from your own backyard to connect with ancient practices. Start by tracking the moon's phases and positions using a simple journal or a smartphone app designed for astronomical observations. Note any alignments with local landmarks and reflect on how these might have had significance to ancient cultures.
• Create a simple sundial using everyday objects to understand the movement of the sun. Place a stick vertically in the ground and mark the end of its shadow each hour. The shape of the curve you create will give you insights into the sun's path and can help you estimate time and direction during the day. This hands-on experiment connects you to the basic principles of celestial navigation used by the Puebloans.
• Use social media to engage in constructive debates on topics you're interested in. Post a hypothesis and invite friends or followers to share their perspectives, ensuring to foster a respectful and open-minded dialogue. This can help you see different angles and form more well-rounded conclusions.
• Start a community garden to experience the benefits of shared cultural practices. This hands-on approach allows you to collaborate with neighbors and learn about different gardening techniques, which can be a modern reflection of how Ancestral Pueblo cultures may have shared agricultural knowledge. Through this, you'll understand the practical aspects of cultural interconnectivity on a small scale.

Scale and Rank of Chaco Society

Scholars' Debate: Chaco as Imperial or Egalitarian Society

Roberts delves into the ongoing debate about the nature of Chacoan civilization in the 1000s and 1100s A.D., a topic that fuels much scholarly discussion and disagreement. He presents the contrasting perspectives on whether Chacoan society was hierarchical, even a mini-empire, or instead an egalitarian system built on collaborative principles.

The author introduces Steve Lekson's view that Chaco exerted political and economic control over a vast network of outlying villages, showcasing its impressive architectural achievements and the unprecedented road system that connected its central Great Houses to remote outposts. Lekson contends that the civilization at Chaco displayed an unprecedented level of complexity and organization, suggesting the presence of elites who wielded power over an extensive web of "subordinates." Lekson bolsters this argument by highlighting the discovery of two elite burials at the major Chacoan Great House, Pueblo Bonito, accompanied by a stunning array of grave goods, including a turquoise-inlaid basket, a jet frog effigy, and thousands of turquoise beads. He contends that these burials, found in rooms constructed using the highest-quality masonry and packed with valuable objects, unequivocally indicate a stratified social structure.

However, the author also acknowledges that this interpretation of Chaco contrasts sharply with the prevailing view of society in ancient Puebloan cultures as fundamentally egalitarian, a belief reinforced by the structure and traditions of modern Puebloan communities. Lekson himself recognizes this paradox, suggesting that Chaco's decline might have resulted from residents rejecting the hierarchical system and striving for a return to a less centralized and more collaborative way of life. Roberts leaves readers to ponder the intriguing paradox of Chaco, a society that, despite exhibiting signs of dominance and control, ultimately vanished, perhaps leaving behind a lesson for future generations about the limits of hierarchical systems.

Practical Tips

• Start a creative writing project that imagines the daily life of a Chacoan individual. Use your knowledge of the civilization to craft stories or diary entries that reflect the societal structure, religious beliefs, and daily activities of the time. This exercise can enhance your understanding of the human aspect behind historical facts and foster empathy for people from different times and cultures.
• Start a hobby in map drawing or use a mapping software to design a hypothetical network of roads connecting important places in your life, such as home, work, and social spaces. This exercise can help you think critically about the ways in which your environment is interconnected and how you navigate it daily. It can also provide a creative outlet and a new perspective on the importance of well-thought-out infrastructure.

Other Perspectives

• The lack of definitive written records or clear administrative structures from the Chacoan period makes it difficult to conclusively determine the presence of a controlling elite.
• The impressive architectural achievements and road systems could have been communal projects for shared religious or cultural purposes, not necessarily indicators of centralized control by an elite class.
• The presence of high-quality goods in burials might not reflect the living conditions or societal roles of individuals but rather the community's collective effort to honor the dead.
• The scale of Chacoan construction projects, which would have required a large, coordinated labor force, could indicate the presence of a ruling class directing the work.
• The interpretation of modern Puebloan communities as fundamentally egalitarian may be an oversimplification of complex social dynamics that include subtle forms of hierarchy or status differentiation.
• It is possible that the hierarchical system was not the cause of decline but rather a symptom of other underlying issues that led to Chaco's downfall.
• Hierarchical systems have persisted and thrived in various forms throughout history, suggesting that the issue may be more complex than a simple lesson on the limits of hierarchy.

Archaeological Relationships Between the Navajo and the Ancestral People of the Pueblos

Navajo Perspectives on the Ruins and Ancient Rock Illustrations of the Ancestral Puebloans

Roberts explores the unique relationship between the Navajo people and the Ancestral Puebloans' rock art and ruins. He delves into the fascinating ways in which Navajo culture has both shaped and been shaped by its encounters with these historical remnants.

He highlights the Diné's awe and respect for the ancient sites, particularly the hard-to-reach dwellings on cliffs and the remote granaries. He explains that Navajos attributed supernatural abilities to the ancient Puebloan people, believing they possessed the power to fly, climb impossibly smooth rock faces, and communicate with powerful spirits. He cites anthropologist Robert S. McPherson's work, which documents these beliefs. For example, Navajo elders believed that the ancient inhabitants' ability to build in such inaccessible locations demonstrated their mastery of flight, aided by “sticky feet" or magical techniques involving “shiny stones.” They also saw connections between the Ancestral Puebloans and animals like lizards and reptiles that could easily scale vertical surfaces.

Roberts also reveals a darker side to these beliefs, noting that Navajos sometimes interpret the ancient Pueblo people's architectural achievements and even their rock art as demonstrations of hubris that ultimately led to their downfall. He explains that, from a Navajo perspective, these ancient people angered the gods by their excessive use of power, ultimately leading to their demise. He cites McPherson, whose research includes elders expressing concern that Anglo Americans, with their relentless pursuit of technological advancement, risk following the same path to self-destruction as the ancient Puebloans.

Navajo Beliefs on Supernatural Origins and Fates of Ancient Puebloans

Roberts further examines the Navajo perspective on the ancient Pueblo communities, focusing on their legends and myths surrounding these vanished people. He contrasts these spoken traditions with the often conflicting theories from archaeology and anthropology, which seek to understand the Puebloans' historical trajectory based on material evidence.

He recounts several conversations with his guide, Navajo man Kalvin Watchman, during a two-day journey through Canyon del Muerto. When Roberts asks Kalvin about the origins and disappearance of the ancient Puebloan ancestors, the guide's responses consistently reflect traditional Diné beliefs. For instance, Kalvin asserts that the Ancestral Puebloans vanished because they "angered the Holy Ones," a sentiment echoed in the oral traditions documented by McPherson. He also insists that the Navajo have lived in the region from the 1300s onward, directly contradicting archaeological evidence that places their arrival in that part of the country much later, around 1500.

Roberts does not explicitly endorse these traditional interpretations, but he presents them with respect, recognizing that they represent a deeply held and culturally significant viewpoint on history that continues to shape the lives and beliefs of the Diné.

Practical Tips

• You can reflect on the consequences of your actions by keeping a "Consequence Journal." In this journal, document daily decisions and predict potential outcomes, both positive and negative. This practice encourages mindfulness about how your actions might affect your environment and relationships, akin to how the Ancestral Puebloans' actions were believed to have affected their fate.
• You can explore the history of the Navajo by visiting local museums or cultural centers to compare different historical narratives. By engaging with exhibits and speaking to curators, you'll gain a broader perspective on the Navajo's history and how it's presented in various contexts, which may contrast with the book's claims.
• Create a visual timeline of a historical event using both academic sources and oral accounts to compare different narratives. This could be a simple poster or a digital presentation. For instance, if you're looking at the history of a local landmark, include both what historians say and what people in the community have passed down through generations.
• Start a journal to record your family's oral histories and stories, ensuring that the personal anecdotes and cultural wisdom of your relatives are preserved for future generations. This can be a way of honoring the importance of oral tradition, as highlighted by the Ancestral Puebloans' history.

Navajo Tensions With Archaeologists/Tourists Over Ancient Puebloan Locations

Navajo Concerns Over Violations of Forebears' Territory and Artifacts

Roberts explores the complex and sometimes tense relationship between the Diné people, archaeologists, tourists, and government agencies who manage and interpret the historic locations within their homeland.

He highlights the frustration felt by many Navajos over their limited access to and control over sites that, while prehistoric, hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Diné. He describes the restrictions imposed on both Navajos and Anglo visitors at places like Canyon de Chelly, where entering ruins and approaching rock art panels is forbidden to honor the sanctity of the space and to protect fragile structures and artwork. He acknowledges the clash between the Diné worldview that seeks to leave the past undisturbed and the scientific endeavors of archaeologists who seek to excavate, analyze, and interpret those very sites.

He further explores the Diné practice of avoiding dwellings and other locations associated with death, which extends to their interactions with Ancestral Puebloan sites. He recounts the intense anxiety experienced by his Navajo guide, Wilson King, upon encountering human remains in a Lukachukai Mountains ruin. King expressed the need for ritual cleansing upon returning home and vowed to tell only a select few friends about the find, to protect himself and his relatives from the negative consequences of disturbing the dead. Roberts explains that this deep-seated fear is a major factor preventing the looting and vandalism of these places. He concludes by acknowledging the legitimacy of both the scientific and the traditional perspectives, and the need to find ways to reconcile the interests of both groups while honoring the invaluable history and cultural heritage within the historic landscape.

Context

• There have been movements towards repatriation of artifacts and collaborative management of sites, but progress can be slow and fraught with bureaucratic challenges.
• The restrictions are part of broader conservation efforts to preserve the canyon's unique landscape and biodiversity, which are threatened by environmental changes and human impact.
• There are legal frameworks, such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), that aim to protect indigenous sites and artifacts. These laws reflect ongoing efforts to balance scientific research with respect for indigenous rights and traditions.
• The Diné's practices may also reflect historical intertribal dynamics, where different tribes had distinct territories and spiritual practices, influencing how they interacted with each other's ancestral sites.
• The anxiety experienced by Wilson King highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding when dealing with Indigenous sites, as these places hold different meanings for different groups.
• Keeping certain experiences secret is a way to prevent the spread of potential spiritual harm. By limiting who knows about the encounter, individuals aim to contain any negative effects and protect their community.
• Increasing awareness and education about the significance of these sites can deter potential looters by fostering respect and understanding among the broader public.
• Tourism can bring economic benefits but also poses risks to the preservation of historic sites. Balancing access with conservation is a challenge that requires input from both scientific and traditional perspectives.
• Effective management of these sites often involves collaboration between indigenous groups, government agencies, and researchers to ensure that all voices are heard and respected in decision-making processes.

Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont Cultural History and Archaeology

Origins, Migrations, and Continuity of Ancestral Puebloans

Controversies Around Terminology for Describing These Prehistoric Peoples

Roberts examines the challenges and controversies surrounding the terminology used to describe the prehistoric peoples of the Southwest, focusing on the debate over the term “Anasazi” used to denote the forerunners of the Pueblo people. He delves into the motivations related to cultural sensitivity behind the shift to the less culturally laden “Ancestral Puebloan,” which aims to avoid using the term from Navajo that can be perceived as disrespectful to modern Pueblo communities.

The author acknowledges these concerns as valid, while also expressing his own frustration with the cumbersome nature of the alternative term. He argues that the words "ancestral" and "Puebloan" both derive from European languages (English and Spanish) and, thus, hold colonial baggage as well. He humorously proposes a compromise coined by his friend Vaughn Hadenfeldt: the "Snazi" - a term that retains echoes of the familiar designation while suggesting a light-hearted appreciation for their artistic achievements. Ultimately, he grudgingly accepts the shift to "Ancestral Puebloan" in his writing but emphasizes that the core identity of these ancient people, who gave rise to today's diverse Pueblo communities, still remains unknown.

Practical Tips

• Experiment with language by writing short stories or creating artwork that reflects the diverse narratives of prehistoric peoples without using potentially controversial terminology. Share your creations on social media or with friends to spark conversations about the importance of language in shaping our understanding of history. This creative exercise can help you explore alternative ways to discuss and represent the past.
• Start a reading group focused on indigenous authors and issues to deepen your understanding of the perspectives and preferences of indigenous communities. By reading works by indigenous authors, you can gain insights into how they prefer to be referred to and the significance behind those preferences. This could involve selecting a book each month that explores indigenous history or contemporary issues, ensuring that the group discusses the importance of terminology and representation as part of their dialogue.
• Develop critical thinking by questioning the validity of terms used in everyday news and media. Whenever you come across a significant term in an article or report, take a moment to analyze its use. Ask yourself if the term is being used appropriately and what the implications of its usage are. This practice will help you become more discerning of the information you consume and improve your analytical skills.
• Create a personal "jargon buster" glossary in a notebook or digital document. Whenever you encounter a cumbersome term, write it down and brainstorm a few simpler alternatives. This practice will enhance your ability to communicate clearly and make your ideas more accessible to others.
• Encourage inclusive language by gently correcting or informing others when they use terms with colonial baggage. If you hear someone using outdated or insensitive terminology, you can say something like, "I recently learned that the term 'Ancestral Puebloan' might not be preferred by the descendants of those people. They often use 'Ancestral Pueblo people' instead." This spreads awareness and promotes a more respectful dialogue.
• Develop a game for social gatherings that encourages creative compromise. Design simple cards with two opposing ideas or preferences on each. Players draw a card and then have to come up with a humorous compromise term, like "Snazi," that blends the two. This not only serves as an icebreaker but also practices the skill of finding middle ground in a light-hearted manner.
• Enhance your understanding of cultural terminology by engaging with community members or experts. Reach out to local cultural centers, museums, or academic institutions to participate in talks, workshops, or courses that focus on the history and terminology of the culture you're interested in. This direct engagement will provide you with a deeper understanding of why certain terms are preferred and how they reflect the values and identity of the community.
• Explore your ancestry using a DNA testing service to gain insights into your ancient heritage. By submitting a DNA sample, you can receive a report that may shed light on the geographic regions and ethnic groups that contribute to your genetic makeup, potentially connecting you to ancient peoples whose identities are largely unknown.

Fremont Architecture, Ceramics, and Stonework

Fremont's Disappearance and Connections to Modern Tribes

Roberts focuses on the enigmatic Fremont culture, the northern neighbors of the Ancestral Puebloans who occupied a vast territory spanning much of Utah and parts of Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. He highlights the many mysteries surrounding their history and way of life, as their cultural achievements and identity remain less understood than those of the Ancestral Puebloans' culture.

He describes the distinctive features of Fremont architecture, pottery, and petroglyphs. Their granaries, for example, were usually filled from the top, unlike the Ancestral Puebloans, who favored front-loading structures. Their petroglyphs frequently featured trapezoidal human figures wearing headdresses, defensive equipment, and "prize heads," suggesting a unique artistic tradition. However, as Roberts notes, the variation in structures and artifacts across the Fremont area makes it difficult to define their culture with certainty, leading some scholars to argue that they shouldn't be considered a separate cultural entity. He quotes archaeologists David B. Madsen and Steven R. Simms, who, despite acknowledging these complexities, advocate for retaining the label "Fremont," admitting, however, that "it is impossible to categorize this culture in terms of material remains."

Roberts delves into the enduring enigma of the Fremont's disappearance, which occurred between the 1300s and 1500s. Unlike the Ancestral Puebloans, who migrated south and east, leaving behind descendants in the Hopi pueblos and the Rio Grande region, the Fremont seem to vanish from the archaeological record. He presents various theories to account for their fate: assimilation with roving tribes, migration eastward to the prairie, or even extinction. He explores his own experiences in Desolation Canyon, a remote region of eastern Utah that holds numerous Fremont sites. Despite finding plenty of petroglyphs and granaries, he and his companions on a rafting expedition of nine days discover scant traces of dwellings. He shares archaeologist Jerry Spangler's theory, based on extensive survey work in the area, that small groups of Fremont farmers may have used the region for agriculture but lived elsewhere, leaving behind only minimal evidence of their presence. This puzzling pattern, Roberts suggests, reveals the fundamental enigma of the Fremont people, who, despite leaving behind tangible evidence of their achievements, remain ultimately elusive, their story a reminder that the archaeological record can reveal only a fragment of the past.

Practical Tips

• Participate in a pottery-making workshop that focuses on techniques similar to those used by the Fremont people. While the workshop may not specifically teach Fremont methods, learning the basics of pottery can give you a tactile sense of the skill and creativity involved in creating distinctive pottery styles.
• Consider using stackable containers with top openings for your pantry or craft supplies. This mimics the granary concept by allowing you to fill and access the contents from the top, making it easier to see what you have and manage inventory. It's a simple way to keep track of your items and ensure that older supplies are used before newer ones, just as grains would be rotated in a granary.
• Create your own trapezoidal human figure art piece using materials you have at home, like cardboard, paint, and markers, to explore the style and symbolism of Fremont petroglyphs. By doing this, you'll gain a hands-on understanding of the artistic process and the cultural significance behind these ancient artworks.
• Start a themed collection of replicas or images of artifacts from various cultures, focusing on the differences in structures and artifacts. This can be a visual and tactile way to appreciate the diversity in human expression and ingenuity, and it can serve as a conversation starter with guests or an educational tool for children.

Other Perspectives

• The perceived lesser understanding of the Fremont culture might be due to the interpretive frameworks used by archaeologists, which could favor the types of evidence left by the Ancestral Puebloans over those of the Fremont.
• The argument for the Fremont as a separate cultural entity could be supported by genetic studies or linguistic evidence that links them to modern tribes, providing a continuity of cultural identity.
• The exact timeframe of the Fremont's disappearance is uncertain, and the range between the 1300s and 1500s might be too narrow or too broad; more precise dating could provide a different understanding of their decline.
• The lack of dwellings might reflect a seasonal or temporary use of the area, suggesting that Desolation Canyon was not a permanent settlement but rather a place visited for specific activities.
• If the Fremont used the region solely for agriculture, there should be more extensive evidence of agricultural activity, such as irrigation systems, cultivation tools, or a higher concentration of carbonized plant remains.
• The concept of elusiveness is subjective; what is considered elusive to one generation of scholars may become clearer to another as research methods and archaeological technologies advance.