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Chaco Culture National Historical Park
"Reflections" A Modern Look at Chacoan Communications

Photo of reflections experiment at Tsin Kletsin

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Date: May 25, 2007
Contact: Russ Bodnar, (505) 786-7014 ext. 240

Special Program:

“REFLECTIONS:”

A Modern Look at Chacoan Communications

A thousand years ago, the Chacoan people communicated throughout their world using nighttime fires, and possibly reflective mirrors in the daytime. Signaling areas have been located on mesa tops, mountains, and Chacoan buildings throughout the Four Corners region. On May 29, 2007, park staff will participate in a region-wide demonstration, and attempt to communicate by mirrors with others located at Pierre’s Site, Huerfano Mesa, Mesa Verde, and Chimney Rock Pueblo and other Chacoan sites.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

10:00am at Peñasco Blanco, Pueblo Alto & Tsin Kletzin

Visitors wishing to see this demonstration should hike to one of these sites:

  • Peñasco Blanco (on the Peñasco Blanco Trail) or
  • Pueblo Alto (on the Pueblo Alto Trail) or
  • Tsin Kletzin (on the South Mesa Trail)
  • Please arrive before 10am. 

Park staff will attempt to communicate throughout the region (weather permitting) at 10am. Be sure to fill out a permit for the trail you choose to hike. Bring binoculars.

Photo of CCC era Navajo stonemason  

Did You Know?
In 1937, a Civilian Conservation Corps group began work at Chaco. An all-Navajo crew of stonemasons repaired many of the excavated Chacoan buildings. Preservation measures continue to this day, and several members of the NPS preservation crew are second and third generation stonemasons.
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Last Updated: May 25, 2007 at 16:23 EST