Pueblo ethnography, Sopris archaeology, and the sacred geography of sopris rock art

ABSTRACT The Sopris archaeological culture in southeastern Colorado was first identified as Puebloan and then later as local hunter-gatherers influenced by trade with the Northern Rio Grande area. By applying Eastern Pueblo ethnography, we show that the earlier interpretation is better. Physical emphases on such profound cultural features as dualism, cardinal directions, and kiva equivalents cannot be explained by trade, but instead point to Eastern Pueblo origins. Furthermore, a Tanoan model, incorporating a Tewa origin myth as well as Tiwa ethnography, provides a framework for understanding associated rock art. Concentric activity zones essential to a Tanoan worldview help to explain an agricultural shrine near fields (zone 2), hunting shrines in surrounding hills (zone 3), and a rain shrine in the headwaters of the Purgatoire valley (zone 4). The rain shrine included unusual and unique images.