On Sunday, May 5, at 1 p.m. at the Anasazi Heritage Center near Dolores, the Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society and the Bureau of Land Management will present, as part of the Four Corners Lecture Series, Dr. Ray Williamson to discuss "Watching for the Sun: Pueblo Astronomy and Lifeways. Williamson's presentation will review some basic astronomical concepts, practices, and traditions of the Pueblo Indians and how they affected their daily lives. He also will explain the solar horizon calendar and how it, together with observations of the phases of the moon, is used to set the dates for planting, harvesting and important seasonal ceremonies. He explore the role of stellar and planetary observations in Pueblo astronomical practices. Finally, the presentation will examine the interaction of Western astronomical concepts and Pueblo practices.
Williamson is an author, lecturer and currently senior advisor of Secure World Foundation, a Broomfield-based NGO devoted to promoting the long term sustainability of space activities and the use of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Ray is editor of Imaging Notes, a publication focused on the use of earth observation systems to support human and environmental security, the author of Living the Sky: The Cosmos of the American Indian and, with Fred Blackburn, Cowboys and Cave Dwellers. He splits his time between Cortez, Baltimore and the world.
For more information, call Bob Bernhart at 739-6772.
