Aztec West Audio Tour: Resonance

Pueblo people carry on traditions such as ceremonial dances in the plaza.

Meghan Murphy

The trail through the Aztec West great house is 0.5 mile in length and requires about 40 minutes to complete using the audio tour. Most of the trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs, with some steps and low doorways. Wheelchairs are available at the visitor center to borrow upon request.

• Resonance

  
  

  The sixth cultural story on the Aztec West self-guided audio tour.
  Audio Transcript

  Resonance. The People celebrated the mystery of life in their kivas and their plaza. They sang ancient songs timed to the beat of their drums... and their hearts. The danced in honor and prayer to the animals and plants whose life they shared in this place. Through their rituals, they strove to establish a "resonance" with the Earth and the Cosmos. They believed harmony in the Cosmos was essential to recreate in their lives, relationships, and community. The People watched the movement of the Sun, Moon, planets, and constellations closely throughout the year, for these heavenly bodies were part of their mythic story and their understanding of themselves. They aligned some structures with the positions of heavenly bodies during certain important times of the year. Exact timing of planting and harvesting was important to ensure the well-being of the People, so an intimate knowledge of the movements of the Sun and Moon were required to maintain the complex ceremonial cycles that harmonize The People with the Cosmos. Spiritual vigilance ensured that The People would "remember to remember" their relationships to the natural order of the universe.