Signs of a Thriving People

Signs of a Thriving People. . From about 300 to 1300 C.E., ancestors of the Hopi Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Paiute Tribe made this red-rock oasis their home. Euro-American archeologists call these people the Fremont Culture; however, the tribes reject the use of "Fremont" applied to their ancestors who lived here for thousands of years before Euro-Americans arrived. The Hopi Tribe calls the former inhabitants Hisatsinom, People of Long Ago, and has determined they are Hopi Tribe ancestral clans. The Paiute Tribe calls the former inhabitants Wee Noonts, People Who Lived the Old Ways. The markings in stone on the cliff above remind us of their ability to flourish in this landscape., For thousands of years, food, water, a suitable climate, and other natural and spiritual resources were found at Capitol Reef. The Hisatsinom/Wee Noonts successfully farmed and hunted this land. They were potters and rock masons, and stored food in granaries to survive the changing seasons. Their dwellings were pit houses and were lived in seasonally. Beyond basic necessities, they devoted time to making jewelry and pottery, weaving baskets, and creating markings and stories in stone., Despite their success, no evidence of the Hisatsinom/Wee Noonts is recorded in Capitol Reef after about 1300 С.Е. Some archeologists think they were assimilated into other cultures because of warfare, drought, or depletion of resources. However, the Hopi People do not share this belief. The Hopi believe their ancestors who departed Capitol Reef did so to complete their migrations to Tuuwanasavi, the Center of the Universe. The Hopi People understand the petroglyphs and other surviving artifacts are testimony to the clan migrations., Captions , (Photo #1) Many petroglyphs can be seen at the base of the high cliff ahead of you. Follow the boardwalk to the east to find other examples of petroglyphs. , (Photo #2) Hisatsinom/Wee Noonts footwear was unique. Made of deer hide, it provided warmth, protection, and traction. , (Photo #3) The Hisatsinom/Wee Noonts developed their own style of pottery, made from local Chinle Formation clay. , (Photo #4) The Hisatsinom/Wee Noonts raised corn, beans, and squash, including a unique variety of corn adapted to Capitol Reef's climate. Hunting wildlife and harvesting and processing berries, seeds, and other plant parts for food and medicinal purposes also sustained them.