the mystery of the Anasazi cliff dwellers

For several years, The History Channel ran a series titled “Digging for the Truth” with host Josh Bernstein investigating various archaeological questions. Episode 13 from Season One was entitled “Mystery of the Anasazi”. Links to this show can be found here on youtube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySe6Eop7mcQ&index=1&list=PL2AF96DBADA395861) Make sure to watch 1.7, 4.7 and 7.7, however you may find the whole episode useful.
When answering the following questions, try to “deconstruct” the film (Think critically about what views Josh Bernstein supports and what does he leave out). Whose stories are being recounted here and whom do you believe?

Questions are addressed throughout the videos. Listen closely!

1. What is “the mystery” of the Anasazi cliff dwellers? Did the people really just “disappear”?

2. What was the way of life of the Anasazi? Where did they live? What region is the heart of Anasazi country?

3. What do you notice about the architecture made by the Anasazi? What materials is it made of? What does a kiva look like?

4. What other examples of Anasazi arts do you notice in the film?

5. Why was Chaco Canyon important to the Anasazi? How is the site dated today?

6. What is the difference between the Native American (Hopi) and Non-Native (white peoples’) viewpoints in the film? Do you think Josh Bernstein listens to the Hopi elder Wilton Kooyahoema? Take into account the importance of oral history to the study of Native American cultures and history.