Photo Journey Through Arizona Ep.4- Tuzigoot National Monument (Native Ruins)

Just northwest of Phoenix there is another ancient site known simply as Tuzigoot. The name comes from Tonto Apache for "crooked waters" but the original name has been lost in time.

My first view of the site from the road. It surprised me to see it appear out of nowhere on the top of this hill.

My telephoto lens came in handy for a closer shot.

There is a small museum on site that displays many of the artifacts that have been found by archaeologists. These pots were reconstructed from shards found scattered throughout the site.

Stone "metates" were found left behind, which were used by natives to grind various seeds or grains.

Many different groups once passed through this area, much as they do today. It became an important trade and travel route for people over the centuries with each group leaving behind their mark.

Differences could have been attributed to tribal groups or to regional styles. There were many different designs found throughout the southwest.

They picked a very particular hill to build on because of the physical orientation to celestial bodies. There were other buildings on smaller mesas nearby but none as large as this one.

To the east there is a small creek which waters a mesquite tree forest. The seeds were an important part of their diet as evidenced by the many grinding stones found left behind.

The walls themselves were constructed from the different large rocks that can be found locally. They vary in shape and size as much as color and texture.

Construction was done in stages over several hundred years and expanded as needed. There are several distinct time periods that were identified by archaeologists.

When rediscovered the entire site was basically a pile of rubble. The mud mortar had given way and the walls had all but collapsed.

Beautiful artifacts such as this artisan crafted bowl were found strewn among the rocks and dirt.

There are 110 rooms and areas that were excavated and thousands of artifacts.

A reconstructed pueblo at the top of the hill is used to demonstrate how a completed room may have looked. It was closed due to rain damage recently.

Originally intended to be entered from above, the pueblo style buildings were designed for ladder entry.

Some of the later rooms to be added were larger and more rectangular. Perhaps they served a different function such as storage or food preparation areas.

The mesquite trees are within view here, where they would have also processed the seeds.

Do you see the lizard?

This one actually turned around for me as so I could get a good picture of him.

Some of the later additions on the southern part of the site.

This section was undergoing repair by local native tribes. They are using traditional techniques to preserve the original style.

The only known doorway on the site since they traditionally enter the rooms from above. What was this place used for, perhaps a special ceremonial room?

It started to rain during this trip but that didn't deter me.

The view from the west part of the site.

Cane Cholla!

Where would you go visit if you could see Arizona?

Episode 1, Part 1- Montezuma Castle

Episode 1, Part 2- Montezuma Castle

Episode 2 - Montezuma Well

Episode 3- Sedona (Devils Bridge)