New Discovery Changes Perception of Native Americans

In a groundbreaking discovery, a group of Kraków-based archaeologists has unearthed remarkable findings in Colorado, reshaping our understanding of the Native Americans who once lived there.

Under the guidance of Professor Radosław Palonka from Jagiellonian University in Poland, the team revealed a collection of petroglyphs and intricate carvings on rocks. These carvings showcase elaborate designs, spirals, and geometric shapes.

Carvings date back to the 3rd Century

While most of these carvings are believed to originate from the 12th and 13th centuries, the oldest ones are suspected to date back to the third century, known as the Age of the Basket Weavers.

The archaeological community has welcomed this revelation with great excitement. According to Palonka, the uncovering of these extensive galleries has the potential to entirely shift our understanding of this settlement from various perspectives.

Spurred by local rumors, Palonka and his team directed their efforts toward the more remote regions of Colorado, including Sand Canyon, Graveyard Canyon, and Rock Creek Canyon. Palonka explained, “We decided to verify these reports and what we found exceeded our wildest expectations.”

Peculiar spirals featuring astronomical observations

At an elevation of approximately eight hundred meters above the cliff dwellings, scientists stumbled upon unfamiliar petroglyphs, featuring expansive rock panels extending up to four kilometers (2,5 miles) around the plateau.

Within these carvings, the Pueblo people etched spirals, some reaching a diameter of up to one meter. These spirals served dual purposes, including the facilitation of astronomical observations and marking of significant days of the year, such as the summer and winter solstices, as well as the spring and autumn equinoxes.

Palonka explained, “These discoveries mean that we have to reconstruct this area anew. We certainly underestimated the number of people who lived in these canyons in the 13th century and the complexity of their religious practices, some of which must have been performed at these exposed panels.”

Agricultural Pueblo communities before Columbus

Before Columbus arrived, the agricultural Pueblo communities stood out as one of the most advanced cultures in North America. According to Palonka, “They mastered the skill of building multi-story stone houses…that resembled medieval tenements or even latter-day apartment blocks.”

Renowned not only for their advanced architecture but also for their detailed jewelry, rock art, and ceramics, the Krakow professor aspires to uncover additional insights into this ancient culture.

Earlier this year, University of Houston teams employed drones, helicopters, and low-flying planes for thorough scanning and mapping of the area. Palonka is optimistic that their research efforts could yield additional discoveries.

He stated, “They are the best LiDAR research specialists in the world. They will prepare extremely accurate and precise 3D maps for us, and we hope to locate more previously unknown sites, mainly from earlier periods.”

Palonka and his team haven’t solely relied on technology. They have collaborated closely with Native American groups, including the Hopi and Ute. These groups have played a crucial role in aiding Polish researchers in deciphering the iconography and interpretations of rock art.