Synopsis
Secrets of Mesa Verde: Cliff Dwellings of the Pueblo by Gail Fay is an educational nonfiction book aimed at elementary and young adult readers, offering an engaging exploration of the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. Published by Capstone Press in 2015 as part of the Archaeological Mysteries series, the book invites readers to climb the arid slopes of Colorado to uncover the enigmatic world of the Ancestral Puebloans, who thrived in the region from approximately 550 CE to 1300 CE. Fay, a former eighth-grade English teacher turned freelance writer, structures the narrative to follow archaeologists as they piece together the mysteries of these remarkable stone structures, built into cliff alcoves in the Four Corners region. The book is designed to spark curiosity in young readers, blending historical and archaeological insights with accessible language to illuminate why these homes were constructed, how they were used, and why their inhabitants eventually abandoned them.
The narrative begins by introducing Mesa Verde, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved cliff dwellings, such as Cliff Palace, the largest of its kind in North America. Fay describes the Ancestral Puebloans’ transition from living in pithouses and mesa-top pueblos to constructing intricate cliff dwellings between 1190 and 1300 CE. These structures, made of sandstone blocks and adobe mortar, were tucked into natural alcoves, possibly for protection from invaders, shade from the harsh sun, or spiritual significance, though the exact reasons remain a subject of debate among archaeologists. The book highlights the ingenuity of the Puebloans, who farmed corn, beans, and squash (the “Three Sisters”) in a dry landscape, using advanced water management techniques like reservoirs and silt-retaining dams. Fay emphasizes the cultural richness of the Ancestral Puebloans, detailing their black-on-white pottery, turquoise and shell jewelry, and murals painted with pigments from hematite, charcoal, and other natural materials, which adorned the walls of dwellings like Spruce Tree House.
Fay guides readers through the archaeological process, from the discovery of Mesa Verde’s ruins in the late 19th century by explorers like the Wetherill brothers to modern efforts to preserve these sites. She explains how artifacts—such as pottery, tools, and woven yucca sandals—offer clues about daily life, spiritual practices, and community organization. The book delves into the significance of kivas, circular underground rooms used for ceremonies, which often featured symbolic elements like the sipapu, a small hole representing the portal through which humanity emerged. Fay also addresses the mystery of the Puebloans’ departure by 1300 CE, exploring theories such as prolonged droughts, resource depletion, or social changes, while noting that descendants of the Ancestral Puebloans live on in modern Pueblo communities in New Mexico and Arizona. The narrative underscores the collaborative work of archaeologists, who use tree-ring dating, settlement patterns, and pottery exchange networks to unravel these questions.
The book is structured into clear sections, including “A City of Stone,” “Digging Up Mesa Verde,” “The Ancestral Puebloans,” “Mesa Verde Abandoned,” and “Protecting Mesa Verde,” making it easy for young readers to follow the historical and archaeological timeline. Fay’s writing is praised for its accuracy and ability to make complex topics accessible, with reviewers noting that even adults learn from its insights. However, some readers have criticized its brevity and elementary tone, expecting a more in-depth study, as it is primarily geared toward a fifth-grade reading level. Despite this, the book succeeds in fostering a love of learning, encouraging readers to visualize the bustling communities of Mesa Verde and appreciate the enduring legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans. Through vivid descriptions and a focus on archaeological discovery, Secrets of Mesa Verde serves as an inviting introduction to one of America’s most significant cultural treasures, inspiring awe and curiosity about the past.