Chapter II: Introduction

Because of my association with the beautiful Canyon of the Rito de Los Frijoles in Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico, and because of my deep interest in this Monument, the loose ends of a story, about the primitive people who made it their home, have been shaping themselves into a history beginning in America long before either Spaniards or Englishmen came to this country.

The material is based upon the work of many students who have done actual research in Frijoles Canyon and adjacent areas. It is a combination of legendary material, observation, speculation, scientific fact and logic. The text in the following pages is not presented as absolute and unquestionable fact in its entirety, and the author does not intend that it be interpreted that way. There will be some, no doubt, who, for the sake of convenience, will mutter indiscreetly about its content—that it isn’t scientific—as if the book had been intended for the exact scientist. Rather, it is meant for the lay reader who visits the Monument area and who would like to understand some of the customs and ways of life of its ancient inhabitants. This ancient world of the cliff dweller of New Mexico is recreated for the visitor through the firing of his imagination by an understanding of the archæological facts revealed here.

Until a great amount of research is done, a more accurate account of the archæology of this area will not be had. But because of the thousands of visitors to Bandelier National Monument each year, and their interest in its ancient inhabitants, this popular narrative is presented. Throughout the text are many uncommon words and names used frequently in New Mexico. The reader will find a helpful list of these with simplified pronunciations and meanings at the end of the book.

FRIJOLES,
A HIDDEN VALLEY IN THE NEW WORLD

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

FACING PAGE
Looking Up the Canyon From Ceremonial Cave xvi
The Old North Trail 1
Bandelier National Monument and Vicinity 8
The Painted Cave 14
Stone Lions of Cochiti 15
Ruins of Long House 30
A Part of Long House Ruins 31
Artist’s Restoration of Puwige 42
Aerial View of Puwige.—Restored 43
Ceremonial Cave 44
Kiva in Ceremonial Cave 45
A Section of Long House 60
Reconstructed Cliff House 60
Ruins of Puwige 61
Ruins of Large Kiva 61
The Author at an Old Hidden Trail 76
A Party of Visitors at Long House 77

PLATES
(in pocket)

Large Kiva. Ground Plan
Large Kiva. Section Drawings
Ceremonial Cave. Ground Plan
Ceremonial Cave. Section Drawings
Ground Plan of Frijoles Canyon. Ruins Area
Northern Wall of Frijoles Canyon