North of the Center Place: Northern Chaco Symposium
More than 10 scholars!
Between the ninth and twelfth centuries, Chaco Canyon became the center of a farreaching political, economic, and symbolic network. Questions surrounding the “Chaco
Phenomenon” are a focus of intense debate. Most archaeologists agree the Chaco
influence is seen in the Mesa Verde region at Lowry Pueblo, Haynie Ruin, the Bluff
Great House, Edge of the Cedars, Cottonwood Falls, and Yucca House.
Join archaeology’s top researchers as we explore the Mesa Verde region and other sites
including Aztec Ruins and Chimney Rock Pueblo to examine the Chaco influence. Onsite and in the classroom, debate alongside some of the Southwest’s Chaco experts,
including Drs. Bill Lipe, Gwinn Vivian, Steve Lekson, Jim Judge, and Tom Windes.
*Please see our Chaco Canyon: Two Perspectives program for an excellent introduction
to Chaco Canyon and its great houses.
Educational Focus:

Study of the northern Southwest’s Pre-Chaco, Chaco, and Post-Chaco Eras

Learn Chaco Phenomenon characteristics and see evidence in the Mesa Verde
region

Realize economic, political, and ritual factors linked to the Chaco
Phenomenon
Scholars:
Dr. Gwinn Vivian grew up in Chaco Canyon. He spent countless hours exploring
Chaco’s side canyons and archaeological sites. Gwinn developed an intimacy that has
shaped his archaeological theories about life in Chaco Canyon. Recently retired from the
Arizona State Museum, he continues to investigate the Chacoan era, focusing on
irrigation and water-control practices.
Dr. William (Bill) Lipe, is a Crow Canyon board member and former director of
research, professor emeritus at Washington State University, and past president of the
Society for American Archaeology. He is a nationally recognized figure in Southwest
archaeology.
Dr. Mark Varien, director of research at Crow Canyon, has over 20 years of experience
working in the Mesa Verde region. He is recognized for his award-winning research on
community settlement patterns.
Dr. James (Jim) Judge has focused much of his research on Chaco. Early in his career
he was director of the Chaco Project and is professor of anthropology and Southwest
archaeology at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
Dr. Steven Lekson, associate professor and curator of anthropology at the University
Museum, University of Colorado at Boulder, is one of the nation’s authorities on the
“Chaco phenomenon.” His theories about Chaco, which he frames within the greater
Southwest, have captured the public’s attention.
Additional scholars: Dr. Tom Windes, Gary Brown, Winston Hurst, and Crow Canyon’s
own Susan Ryan, Scott Ortman, and Jonathan Till
Dates:
Sunday, May 27 to Saturday, June 2, 2007
Cost:
$1,795; Deposit: $400; Balance Due: March 27, 2007