Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Wukoki
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 28, 2012
1. Wukoki Marker
Inscription.
Wukoki, a modern Hopi word for “Big House” was once home for two or three prehistoric Indian families. The inhabitants are believed to have been of the Kayenta Anasazi culture, judging from the types of artifacts found during excavation and stabilization. This site, occupied from approximately 1120-1210 A.D. afforded its occupants a commanding view of the surrounding terrain. The unusual three-story height, combined with its position atop this Moenkopi Sandstone outcrop, lends credence to the theory that this may have been one of several central or “focal” sites for the Anasazi Sinaguan People. It is visible from a great distance and from many perspectives in this area., Three rooms are obvious today. Others were probably present during the period of occupation. A plaza area on the Southern side of the flat sandstone surface was likely used for daily activities such as food preparation, pottery-making, and may also have been an area for children to play. During mild weather it must have been a much more inviting place than the dark rooms of the pueblo., The whole picture of this prehistoric community can only be completed with your assistance. Please leave the pottery sherds and other artifact where they are found. Do not deface the sandstone boulders and walls in any way. These are invaluable to archeologists who continue to study the ruins. Stay on marked trails to help preserve and protect this landscape, and the ancient ruins, for the enjoyment and education of future generations.
Wukoki, a modern Hopi word for “Big House” was once home for two or three prehistoric Indian families. The inhabitants are believed to have been of the Kayenta Anasazi culture, judging from the types of artifacts found during excavation and stabilization. This site, occupied from approximately 1120-1210 A.D. afforded its occupants a commanding view of the surrounding terrain. The unusual three-story height, combined with its position atop this Moenkopi Sandstone outcrop, lends credence to the theory that this may have been one of several central or “focal” sites for the Anasazi Sinaguan People. It is visible from a great distance and from many perspectives in this area.
Three rooms are obvious today. Others were probably present during the period of occupation. A plaza area on the Southern side of the flat sandstone surface was likely used for daily activities such as food preparation, pottery-making, and may also have been an area for children to play. During mild weather it must have been a much more inviting place than the dark rooms of the pueblo.
The whole picture of this prehistoric community can only be completed with your assistance. Please leave the pottery sherds and other artifact where they are found. Do not deface the sandstone boulders and walls in any way. These are invaluable
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to archeologists who continue to study the ruins. Stay on marked trails to help preserve and protect this landscape, and the ancient ruins, for the enjoyment and education of future generations.
Location. 35° 31.849′ N, 111° 19.767′ W. Marker is in Flagstaff, Arizona, in Coconino County. Marker is on Loop Road. From Flagstaff, take US 89 north for 12 miles (19km), turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano - Wupatki National Monuments. The Visitor Center is 21 miles (34km) from this junction. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Loop Road, Flagstaff AZ 86001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
There is a stairway allowing visitors to enter the ruin. Yet, be responsible and respect the ancient pueblo.
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 28, 2012
6. Wukoki Pueblo
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 28, 2012
7. Wukoki Pueblo Doorway
You enter into another room from this doorway.
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 28, 2012
8. Wukoki Pueblo
There is a marked trail that circles the pueblo so you can see it from the outside.
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 28, 2012
9. Inside the Wukoki Pueblo
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 28, 2012
10. Wukoki Pueblo base
The marked trail lets you see the massive rock this pueblo sits upon.
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 28, 2012
11. Wukoki Ruin
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 28, 2012
12. Wukoki Ruin
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 679 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on October 7, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.