Anasazi Ruins in Canyon de Chelly Arizona B W 1993
by Connie Fox
Title
Anasazi Ruins in Canyon de Chelly Arizona B W 1993
Artist
Connie Fox
Medium
Photograph - Outdoor Film Photo
Description
Restored film photo of one of several hundred prehistoric Anasazi Indian villages carved into the cliffs of steep canyon walls in Canyon de Chelly (duh shay) National Monument, within the borders of the Navajo Nation, near Chinle in northeastern Arizona.
This lower section could be part of what is known as White House Ruins, former dwellings of the Anasazi. The Anasazi civilization grew in the dry lands of the American Southwest. Called The Ancient People, they lived in groups of houses built along the sides or under the overhangs of cliffs. The Spanish later called these homes pueblos, and they very much reminded me of apartments, though usually were reached by ladder.
The Anasazi, who also inhabited Mesa Verde, were excellent basket weavers, known to grow maize and pumpkin. There is no sky visible in this 1996 film image, nor are any people. Tall cottonwood trees are shown in the foreground, anchoring the scene and framing the ruins. This image is also available in color, and I have displayed it beautifully in my home.
Though most people view the canyon from above, as I had done prior to this trip into the canyon in 1993, the only way to really see it is to get down into the canyon and let a guide escort you. I recommend the Jeep tour, though there are a few places where one would be allowed to explore without a guide. Be sure to check ahead of time.
Photographed on a Jeep tour in the summer of 1993 with a Minolta Freedom Escort and Kodak 200 film. I almost did not take this photo because the fence seemed so obtrusive, yet in the finished photo I found that one's eye was diverted by the trees and the ruins of a former Anasazi dwelling, and the fence hardly showed at all. Scanned from my original print. A color version is also available. You will find it in this Arizona Gallery.
Copyright 1993-2014 Connie Steitz Fox
All Rights Reserved
Minolta Freedom Escort (film)
Featured on the homepage of Premium FAA Artists, September 2014. Featured by USA Photographers and Travel Art, June 2019; Seasons of the Trees and A Tree or Trees in Black and White, December 2023.
Anasazi Ruins in Canyon de Chelly Arizona B W 1993
Fine Art Film Photograph by Connie Fox
Landscapes, Landmarks, National Monuments, Architecture, Nature
Uploaded
March 5th, 2012
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Comments (8)
Calvin Boyer
In addition to the banner, I am adding this more permanent recognition of its FEATURE on the homepage of A TREE OR TREES IN BLACK AND WHITE. I try mightily to feature only images that would be at home in a juried competition. No doubt that this image fits that bill. CONGRATULATIONS! And consider adding your image to DISCUSSIONS "Please post your featured photograph here" for greater, long-lasting visibility.