10 Jul 2010
Anasazi Petroglyphs – Ancient Permaculturists
I’m fascinated with ancient cultures…and the messages they left us. One of the cultures that wandered the land in these parts were called the Virgin River Anasazi..or Ancestral Puebloans. They actually thrived living in this climate zone..and their history dates back through different periods, ranging from around 1100 AD… to before 6500 BC..!! This seems to be debatable, as with all ancient cultures, but either way… all seem to agree they are at least as old as..1200 BC. People appear to have been inhabiting these parts for eons of time!!
The Anazsazi left many petroglyphs on the rocks and cliffs in SW Utah.
Here’s a video from a trail run we took recently to the Santa Clara River Reserve. Wanted to look upon and feel these glyphs in person..and WOW..they are impressive! Very nourishing for body, mind and spirit!!
The more I learn about the local plants and perennial springs…I can see how the native peoples must have loved it here. The winters are fairly mild and short..and the growing season is fairly long..lasting from April – December. Not to mention the once wandering herds of game…which can still be found in these parts.
Between the waters, canyons, mild temps and the food sources..this place was perfect for year round living. OUTSIDE.
The Anasazi used the 3 Sisters Guild, which is Corn..grown with Squash as an under-story plant… and Beans to climb up the corn..sort of a natural vertical grow system…all the plants benefiting from each other. Still a very effective method…today!!
They left messages on the boulders and cliffs all around SW Utah. These petroglyphs have many theories surrounding them.
One book I’m enjoying immensely.. that delves into these ideas.. is by local writer Ray Urbaniak. He connects these glyphs, to the solstices and equinoxes.. and even shows how light and shadows affect these petroglyphs at different times of the year..and over longer periods of time. Really fascinating ideas!!! Thanks Ray..love it!!
Here’s a link to a preview of the book
“Anasazi of SW Utah: The Dance of Light and Shadow”
by: Ray Urbaniak
I also want to send gratitude and love to the native people that.. still live.. near the far end of Santa Clara Canyon..the Shivwits band of the Paiute tribe. Whom appear to have come on the scene right when about when the Anasazi left..around 1100A.D. They also grew corn, squash and beans…
Sacred land…with a very interesting history!!
Jake whats up dude I really liked these last couple of videos I need to come back through and go on an adventure with you guys to the mystical blueberry fields in the land of cold water maybe at the end of the summer or something. Well I wanted to know what that green shake stuff is called that you and Gage drink I have been working out and need something better to eat in the morning Gage said it was great stuff. So if you could send me a link or the name of the stuff so I can get some that would be awesome. And you need to put some pictures up of your fish tanks too! I wanna see Ms. Lopez and Gary! Take care dude
Dan Reeves
July 20th, 2010 at 10:27 pmpermalink
Thanks Dan O! haha..the green shake stuff…that's kinda like Dave Chapelle's Purple stuff. Check out my green smoothie video…that'll get ya going. Easy Peasy. When you come by at the end of the summer, I'll show you some other drinks. In the mean time YouTube the name Daniel Vitalis. Any video you find will impart great info.. The strategy he shares on making herbal infused elixirs..is beyond powerful!! Get ready to take your workouts to the next level…
See you soon bro…to the waters!
Jake
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:22 pmpermalink
Oh I forgot where I sent this message I only have like 8 emails and stuff and with my short term memory I forget stuff some times if only I had a volcano that would be awesome haha but I just sent you a twittter message so you dont need to reply to it. and how did you know that I love Purple Drink!?! I will be checking that shake video out thanks for getting back to me dog see you soon home slice … oh and did you hear that Greg is now a scientist too? He is going to be a 9th grade science teacher this fall thats what he has to do to be a football coach crazy huh?
Dano's Nano's
July 27th, 2010 at 11:33 pmpermalink