Artifact Gallery -- Cradleboard
Cradleboard
Cradleboards were similar to baby backpacks used today. The styles were flexible, protective, and decorative. Between A.D. 750 and A.D. 1100, cradleboards in Mesa Verde ceased to include soft padding, resulting in babies with the backs of their skulls flattened. This change was likely a result of evolving styles and cosmetic preferences, the flat skull being a preferred look, although another possible reason is that the solid board may have provided more support for babies’ fragile necks while their mothers were working. |
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Did You Know?
In 1891, Swedish scientist Gustaf Nordenskiold studied, explored, and photographed many of Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings. Considered by many to be the first true archeologist at Mesa Verde, his book, "The Cliff Dwellers of the Mesa Verde," was the first extensive record of its cliff dwellings.