One of the most wonderful aspects of our trip to the New Mexico desert was its rich history and the fact that it is being carefully preserved. Bandelier National Monument recognizes and honors the ancient people who lived in this area. Evidence of human activity dates back 10,000 years. I can't even begin to tell you how I feel when I am in the presence of a civilization that is so ancient.
The rock formations here were originally formed by two violent volcano eruptions more than one million years ago. The pink rock of the canyon wall looks like sandstone but is actually volcanic ash that compacted over time. The Ancestral Pueblo people used tools to enlarge some of the natural openings in the cliff face. Stone dwellings were constructed in front of these enlarged openings.
These ruins are the plaza of Tyuonyi. The walls surrounding this plaza would have been smooth-plastered with mud. I can only imagine the sights, sounds and smells of the daily activity within and around this village.
This painted design, or pictograph, was part of the back wall of a second story dwelling.
I thank those who have worked to preserve and pass along the teachings of thisoh so long ago period of time in our history. Walking here on a lovely spring afternoon took me back into time in a wonderful way.
"Tis distance lends enchantment to the view, and robes the mountain in its azure hue." - Thomas Campbell
