Wupatki Ruin, after excavation and some restoration in the 1930’s.
This dwelling was occupied from about A.D. 1120 to A.D. 1210 by the Sinagua (see-NAH-wah) Indians, and this region represents the northernmost limits of occupation by this prehistoric tribe. The Little Colorado River, seven miles east (11km), roughly marks the boundary between this group and another prehistoric tribe to the north, the Anasazi (ah-nah-sah-zee). Other Sinagua lived to the south in the Verde Valley.
Above is a picture of Wupatki Ruin as it appeared after excavation and partial restoration under the CWA program in the 1930’s. Since then the National Park Service has developed a policy to preserve rather than restore archeological structures. For this reason, the restored portions were removed. We believe the ruin as it appears today leaves one with a greater feeling of admiration for the prehistoric builders than it would with any added restoration.
2. Ephedra—“jointfir,” or “Mormon tea”
(Ephedra viridis). A valuable browse plant for grazing animals in winter, when better forage is lacking. A palatable tonic beverage can be made from the dried stems and flowers of the plant, and it was used by Indians and early white settlers in the treatment of certain diseases. Ephedrine is obtained from a Chinese species.
3. Moenkopi sandstone.
Notice how this rock breaks down into good building stones. The banded layers of sandstone, developed as silt in an ancient shallow sea, split along horizontal planes, and for this reason it was easily quarried and used by the Indians in construction of their dwellings.
The gray material on the sandstone is a lichen (ly-ken) which produces an acid that assists in the breakdown of rock, the first step in producing soil.
4. Fourwing saltbush—“chamiza”
(Atriplex canescens). One of the most common shrubs of the Southwest, adapted to diverse soils and climatic conditions, it is a valuable browse plant. Indians used to depend on saltbushes as a source of meal which was made from the parched seeds, and like pinole (made from mesquite pods) it sometimes was mixed with water to make a beverage.