Ancient Indigenous Astronomy

This exhibit on ancient Indigenous cosmology and astronomical practices in the Verde Valley is a picture into the beginnings of the observation of the cosmos using the science of archaeoastronomy. For example, the first farmers noticed the sun’s regular cycle of movement and found that they could use it to create a calendar to aid in the planting of various crops. Religious leaders could use the sun or moon to determine the time for specific rituals. This exhibit begins by exploring two basic methods of marking time.