Photo of a “Navajo Barber Shop”

Navajo Barber Shop

“Navajo Barber Shop” –  An Navajo Indian women dresses her husband’s hair as they sit on the desert floor in the open-air-living room. The man holds the string with which the women will bind his locks. Doing each others hair is a sign of affection for each other.

Photo and Caption by Josef Muench.

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY: Josef Muench was born in Bavaria February 8, 1904. At the age of 11 he received his first camera and began a lifelong interest in capturing nature on film. He arrived in the United States with his brother in 1926 and eventually settled in Santa Barbara, California. In the 1930s, Muench began his long association with Arizona Highways Magazine. Josef Muench died in 1998.

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial 2012

August 8 – 12, 2012

Navajo Dance Group

 Navajo Dance Group

 

91st Annual Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial Association – OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Revised June 25, 2012


WEDNESDAY-August 8, 2012


8:00 AM-10:00 PM
Jacobs Junior Rodeo
RRP- Main Arena

12:00 Noon-1:00 PM
Ceremonial Queen’s Luncheon
Red Lion Inn

6:30-9:30 PM
Red Rocks-Blue Sky Wine Tasting Event
Outdoor Vending Area

7:00-10:00 PM
Preview Night
Convention Center

7:30-10:00 PM
Queen Competition “Photogenic”
Convention Center


THURSDAY- AUGUST 9, 2012


10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Exhibit Hall OPEN
Red Rock Park Convention Center

10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Foods, NFP and Outdoor Art Vending OPEN
Red Rock Park Concourse Area

11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Amphitheater Performances On the ½ Hour
Red Rock Park Marland Aitson Amphitheater

1:00 PM-8:00 PM
Ceremonial All Indian Open Rodeo
Red Rock Park Main Arena

5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Queen Competition (Modern Talent)
Gallup Courthouse Plaza /Downtown Gallup

9:00 PM-10:30 PM
Downtown Night Parade
Historic Route 66 and Coal Ave


FRIDAY-AUGUST 10, 2012


10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Exhibit Hall open
Red Rock Park Convention Center

10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Foods, NFP and Outdoor Art Vending OPEN
Red Rock Park Concourse Area

11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Amphitheater Performances On the ½ Hour
Red Rock Park Marland Aitson Amphitheater

1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Ceremonial Rodeo “Kids FREE” Day- 12&Under
Red Rock Park Main Arena

5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Queen Competition (Traditional Talent)
Red Rock Park Marland Aitson Amphitheater

8:00 PM-10:00 PM
Evening Performances
Red Rock Park Main Arena


SATURDAY-AUGUST 11, 2012


9:00 AM-until finished
1st Annual Ceremonial Run/Check-In-Run
Gallup Courthouse Square to Red Rock Park

10:00 AM- 12:00 Noon
Downtown Parade
Historic Route 66 and Coal

10:00AM-8:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
Red Rock Park Convention Center

10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Foods, NFP and Outdoor Art Vending OPEN
Red Rock Park Concourse Area

12:30 PM- 1:00 PM
Ceremonial Rodeo “WILD HORSE RACE”
Red Rock Park Main Arena

1:00 PM- 5:00 PM
Ceremonial All Indian Open Rodeo
Red Rock Park Main Arena

1:00 PM-7:00 PM
Amphitheater Performances On the ½ Hour
Red Rock Park Marland Aitson Amphitheater

7:30 PM-8:00 PM
Miss Indian Ceremonial-Queen Coronation
Red Rock Park Main Arena

8:00 PM-10:00 PM
Evening Performances
Red Rock Park Main Arena


SUNDAY- AUGUST 12, 2012


8:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Ceremonial “SENIOR” Rodeo
Red Rock Park Main Arena

10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
Red Rock Park Convention Center

10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Foods, NFP and Outdoor Art Vending OPEN
Red Rock Park Concourse Area

11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Amphitheater Performances On the ½ Hour
Red Rock Park Marland Aitson Amphitheater

12:30 PM- 1:00 PM
Ceremonial Rodeo “WILD HORSE RACE”
Red Rock Park Main Arena

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Ceremonial All Indian Open Rodeo
Red Rock Park Main Arena

3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Artist Pick-up
Red Rock Park Convention Center

 

Source:http://theceremonial.com

Open Indian Rodeo – Navajo Nation Fair 2012

September 4-9, 2012
Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena
NN Fairgrounds – Window Rock, AZ

Open Indian Rodeo - Navajo Nation Fair 2012


Entries Open: July 9th, 2012
Entries Close: August 10, 2012
Walk Ins: August 24, 2012 at the Navajo Nation Museum

OPEN INDIAN RODEO
DEAN C JACKSON MEMORIAL ARENA
AWARD TO ALL-AROUND COWBOY AND COWGIRL
BUCKLE TO EVENT WINNERS


Short Go for all events: top 10 (except for ladies and team roping).

Open to Native Americans with recognized tribal ID proof required. One time $25 office fee.
For paid purpose you must submit a W–9 with your entry form and have a valid ID in your possession in order to receive your cash award.


ENTRY FEES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED IN MONEY ORDER OR CASHIERS CHECKS FORM PAYABLE TO NAVAJO NATION
ENTRY/WAIVER FORM

 

EVENT LIMIT FEE ADDED ROUND FINALS
BAREBACK 20 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
SADDLE BRONC 30 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
BULL RIDING 80 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
TIE DOWN 60 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
STEER WRESTLING 70 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
BARREL RACING NL $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
LADIES BREAKAWAY 80 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
LADIES TEAM ROPING 2X 200 $400 $10,000 2 go $2,000
LADIES TEAM ROPING1X 40 $150 $1,500 2 go $2,000

Entries open July 9, 2012. First to enter last to go. Entries close with postmarked by August 10, 2012 $20 late fee after August 10.
Walk-in entries: August 24, 2012 at Navajo National Museum

EVENT SCHEDULE
Tuesday, September 4
8AM – slack

Wednesday, September 5
8AM – slack

Friday, September 7
12 PM first performance
7 PM second performance

Saturday, September 8
1 PM third performance

Sunday, September 9
12 PM final four

Admission
Tuesday  – No admission
Wednesday – NO admission
Friday and Sunday  – $12 adults $6 child and seniors

 

CONTESTANT INFORMATION

The 66th Annual Navajo Nation Fair Indian Rodeo (NNFIR) shall be open to all Native American contestants who have a blood quantum of one fourth (1/4) American  Indian heritage or who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe. The Special Events Section (SES) of the Navajo Nation Fair reserves the right to request for proof of blood quantum or enrollment status. Failure of a contestant to show proof of blood quantum or enrollment when requested may be cause for disqualification of the contestant, and forfeiture of entry fess and any money won at the rodeo.

 

ENTRIES

Entries for the 66th Annual NNFIR will open on July 9, 2012. Entry forms will be available on the website – www.navajonationfair.com – and at other Indian rodeos. Mail-in entries will close on August 10, 2012. All entry forms and payment for entries must be sent to: Navajo Nation Fair Indian Rodeo, c/o Navajo Nation Museum, Post Office Box 1840, Window Rock, AZ 86515. Payment for entry fees must be by money order or cashier’s check. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED. All contestants shall pay entry fees for the contest events entered in FULL at the time of entry closing of entries on August 15, 2012. Entry fees are $200.00 for all events except Ladies Teams which is $150. A one-time office charge of $25.00 must be included with your payment. Mail-in entries must be received by August 15, 2012 regardless of postmark date. Entry fees in the team roping shall be paid in full by both team members (partners) at the time of entry closing to be considered entered. If entry fees are not paid in full by entry closing the team shall be scratched from entry list.

Late entries will accepted for any position not filled during the regular entry period. Late entries will be walk-in only and will incur a $20.00 late fine. All walk-in entries must be paid with money order or cashier’s check. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED. Walk-in entries will be taken from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday, August 24, 2012 at the Rodeo Office at the Navajo Nation Museum. Positions will be posted on www.navajonationfair.com prior to opening of late entries. Walk-ins will receive their position when entering. There will be no call backs for walk-in entries.

 

TIME EVENTS

Ladies Team Roping (LT) will be one go round with no finals. Twenty Five (25) teams will run in a slack and twenty (15) will run during a performance (5/perf Thurs, Fri & Sat). Tie down Roping (TD), Steer Wrestling (SW), Team Roping (TR), Ladies Breakaway Roping (LR) and Ladies Barrels (LB) contestants shall compete in two complete go-rounds with the first go round being held in a slack performance. The contestants with the top forty (40) times will compete during the four (4) performances with ten (10) contestants per performance/event and the remaining contestant will compete their 2nd go competition run during the 2nd go slack performance. Those contestants making trades will be one hour after the top 40 list is posted at Rodeo Office. Only horses needed during actual competition in the event will be allowed in the box during any timed event and/or noncompetitive runs. All contestants who have completed their runs shall immediately exit the arena. The arena shall always remain clear of non-competing contestants while events are in progress. Only those personnel who are authorized to be in the arena shall remain in the arena. The timers in the time events shall blow a whistle at the end of a set time limit indicating a “no time”.

 

PAYOUT

Prize money payout for the 66th Annual NNFIR will be made by check and no checks will be released to anyone but the winning contestant. Payoff scale will be according to PRCA/WPRA rulebooks. Contestant must complete a W-9 form with proper identification numbers and present two forms of identification (one must be picture ID) to receive prize money check(s). At year-end all contestants earnings $600.00 or more will receive a 1099 form. The NNFIR Rodeo Secretary will do payoff checks at the end of each go-round. Rodeo office hours will be posted on the post board. Any prize money check that has to be replaced for any reason after Sunday, September 11, 2012 will incur a $25.00 replacement fee.

ALL AROUND

All Around Champions must compete in two or more events. The Contestants who wins the most money in two or more events will win the All Around title. If no contestant wins money in two or more events, the contestant entering two or more events who wins the most money will win the All Around title. Money won by ladies in the men’s TR will count for the Ladies All-Around.

1. Men’s All Around – Men’s Events – BB, SB, BR, SW, TD, and TR (1 run only counts)

2. Ladies All Around – Ladies Events – LB, LR, LT and TR (1 run only counts)

Nizhoni Arts Market 2012

Nizhoni Arts Market  

At the 66th Annual 
September 6 – 9, 2012

Nizhoni Arts Market  2012

Nizhoni Arts Market 2012
Photo by Harold Carey Jr

Hózhó Náhásdlíí’-Harmony in the Making
Our mission is to achieve Hózhó through contemporary and traditional exhibits, program, tours; to promote our Diné culture, language, history and sovereignty.

ARTIST VENDOR INFORMATION
Clarenda Begay, Coordinator
Cell # (928) 592-2813

Welcome to the 3nd Annual Nizhoni Arts Market at the Navajo Nation Fair. The Nizhoni Arts Market to Feature “World Class” Authentic Arts by Renowned and Up & Coming Navajo Artisans.

Gorman Hall: Indoor set-up on Thursday, September 6, 2012, from 8:00 am. to 10:00 am

Early Booth Registration: 10×10’ booth space with 1 – 6’ x 2’ ½” table and 2 chairs. Early Booth Registration fee $250.00 through August 17, 2012, thereafter the booth fee is $300.00 till the booths are filled. Vendors are responsible for reporting sales tax (4%) to the Navajo Nation Tax Commission for further information call (928) 871-6681.

Market Hours:
Thursday, September 6, 2012 – 10:00 to 5:00 pm
Friday, September 7, 2012 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, September 8, 2012 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, September 9, 2012 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sharing of Booth: Optional! You are allowed to share a booth with one other artist. Return the Sharing Artist’s Application with Your Application.

Payment: Artist Mail Application and Money Order to (ABSOLUTELY NO Personal Checks will be Accepted)

Navajo Nation Museum
ATTN: NAM/Clarenda Begay
P.O. Box 1840,
Window Rock, Arizona 86515

Ms. Begay may also be contacted by email at Clarenda@navajonationmuseum.org or by cell at (928) 592-2813.
A receipt will be issued when payment is received.

Media: The Navajo Nation Museum advertises the market In the Native Peoples magazine, as well as local newspapers and radio stations. The museum staff has distributed information at the Heard Market and will have a non-profit booth at the Santa Fe Indian Market in August to promote the market.

Cancellation Policy: There will be no refunds due to cancellations for any reason. The NAM Coordinator reserves the right to reassign artist booth for the best interest of the NNM Nizhoni Arts Market due to artist cancellations or no-shows.

Proof of Tribal Verification: All artists are required to provide proof of identification to include Certification of Indian Blood (CIB) and Drivers License for age division.

Security: Security to be available at Gorman Hall beginning August 30th through September 9th.

Artist Reception: Thursday, September 6, 2012 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Location will be disclosed to Artists at Check-In.

Artist Booth Demonstration: Welcomed & Appreciated.

Quality Control: The NAM Coordinator and Museum Staff will be roving the booths for unacceptable arts for sale. You will be asked to remove the items of concern and a second verbal notification you will be asked to leave the premises with your art.

Navajo Transit Services: A chartered bus will be transporting buyers, collectors and tourist from the Navajo Nation Museum parking lot to main entrance at the Navajo Nation Fair, Gate #4 and return to the Navajo Nation Museum.

Artist Parking Area: Artists are encouraged to use Gate #2. One parking pass will be issued to the invited artist for Gate#2, near the Song & Dance arena. Bring a dolly to transfer your arts into Gorman Hall. Your passengers will have to pay a General entrance fee of $5.00 at the gate. Do not park vehicle along the midway or around or behind Gorman Hall.

Photographs: Photographs of artist and booths may be taken throughout the Nizhoni Arts Market for publicity purposes to promote the Nizhoni Arts Market and Navajo Nation Fair.

Trash: Trash bags will be provided daily for the vendors, Please flatten all cardboard boxes and put in dumpster located behind Gorman Hall. Booth space must be maintained in a clean and tidy manner.

Altercations: Any artist who is involved in any verbal or physical altercations will be asked to leave with their art and not permitted to return. The market is a drug free environment and no pets or firearms are permitted.

NIZHONI ARTS MARKET
RULES & REGULATIONS

TRADE MARK: The artists mark to appear on his/her workmanship is required on all art. All original works displayed must be designed and created by the invited artist or by artist sharing the booth space.

General: No imported, manufactured or mass produced items such as T-Shirts, mouse pads, coasters and magnets. Also, not acceptable are work produced with commercial kits, molds, patterns or prefabricated forms.

Artifacts & Ceremonial Objects: No imported, manufactured or mass produced items and no display of culturally sensitive artifacts. The committee will not allow any use of materials, such as raptors feathers or endangered species. Display or sale of ceremonial objects is strictly prohibited. The NAM Coordinator will request the removal of items.

Pottery: Commercially produced pottery, slip molds, or green ware are strictly prohibited. Contemporary pottery forms are acceptable. Hand coiled or wheel thrown are acceptable. Kiln-fired pots and pots made or decorated with commercial materials must be properly identified.

Jewelry: Traditional, contemporary and evolving jewelry. No false representation of materials or origins will be tolerated.

Paintings & Drawings: No wet canvases will be available for sale.

Prints: Only professional prints of high quality may be sold.

Weaving: Rugs, blankets, belts and purses must be handmade. All natural yarns and dyes are acceptable. Synthetic or acrylic yarn must be properly labeled. No productions made from commercial kits or patterns.

Textiles: Sewing machine work is acceptable. No commercially made clothing, liquid embroidery or products made from kits are allowed.

Dolls & Carvings: Dolls in traditional categories must use materials historically associated with its native culture. Artists are not to display dolls of tribes other than their own tribal affiliation.

Bead, Quill & Leather: No plastic pony beads or “Bead Stringers”. Commercially tanned hide work must be labeled.

Photo of Navajo Children On the Reservation

Navajo Childern On the Reservation with Girl Riding Donkey

Navajo Children On the Reservation with Girl Riding Donkey

Navajo Nation Fair 2012 – Information & Events

Navajo Nation Fair 2012

Photos from Navajo Nation Fair 2012

fair-photos

Navajo Nation Fair 2013 info

 

66th Annual Navajo Nation Fair

“Appreciation Tradition”

September 2nd – 9th, 2012

Window Rock, AZ

The World’s Largest American Indian Fair.

The Navajo Nation Fair was established in 1938 to stimulate livestock improvements and management through exhibits for the Navajo people. The Navajo Nation Fair has become a world-renowned event that showcases Navajo Agriculture, Fine Arts and Crafts, with the promotion and preservation of the Navajo heritage by providing cultural entertainment.

The Navajo Nation Fair Schedule of Events for 2012 will include:

Nizhoni Navajo Arts and Crafts Exhibition September 6 – 9

New Just Out

2012 Navajo Nation Fair Schedule 

Events Times and Dates 

Navajo Nation Fair 2012 Events flyer

 

 

 

Press Release from the Navajo Nation Fair 2012

Media Contact:
Roberta John, Program & Project Specialist
(928) 871-7380
Email: bbiejpress@navajobusiness.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Navajo Nation Gearing Up for Grand Daddy of all Tribal Fairs
WINDOW ROCK, AZ. – Nestled in the heart of the Southwest is a rich and vibrant tribe called the Navajo Nation.

Whispering canyon walls….mystifying ancient architecture….picturesque mountains….relaxing lakes and rivers…towering rock formations…..an earthly scent of cedar and sage after a light sprinkle of rain….magnificent sunsets…and refreshing blue skies….this is Navajoland, a panorama of awesome scenery and captivating getaways….this is what most Navajoland visitors come to see. However, it is the Navajo people that makes Navajoland beautiful and unique.
And within the four sacred mountains is one of the world’s best kept secrets….the Navajo Nation Fair, which is the “Largest American Indian Fair in North America.” When it first began 66 years ago, it was a small gathering of primarily Navajo people. Over the years, other tribes were invited and it soon became known as the largest gathering of Indian nations in the U.S. that cultivates and nurtures indigenous expression.
Today, it is a mecca and visual symphony for elegant Navajo art, dance, music, food and professional athleticism with a native touch. It is also where legends are matched with a new world of future champions vying for thousands of dollars in prize money.
The Navajo Nation Fair is an event that many people look forward to attending year after year. To continue this tradition, the Navajo Nation Special Events Office and a host of volunteers will launch the 66th Annual Navajo Nation Fair on September 2-9th -. The theme this year will be “Appreciating Tradition.”
“Hosting the World’s Largest American Indian Fair takes more than a village, according to Norma Bowman, Navajo Nation Fair Manager.
“The Navajo Nation Fair takes a lot of volunteers, planning, and financial partnerships to make it a success. There are an array of individuals who are working quietly behind the scenes to make it a successful cultural celebration.

Hosting the Navajo Nation Fair is a time-honored tradition and we are doing our best to make it a very enjoyable for everyone. This is a great opportunity to see how we showcase our people and share our cultural pride.”
Bowman added, “The Navajo Nation Fair is an ideal place to experience American Indian culture, namely, Navajo culture. So if you’re looking for a myriad of cultural excitement, make plans to join us here in the capital of the Navajo Nation in September.

I’d also like to especially invite Navajoland visitors to the Navajo Nation Fair, which is a great venue to learn more about the Navajo culture.”

Events:

The Navajo Nation Fair will also include a free Christian concert, a junior rodeo, a Miss Navajo Nation butchering contest, a frybread contest, a Nizhoni Arts Market, an Extreme Native Bull Riding event, Native American comedy entertainment, an exceptional rodeo, a Navajo Nation Energy Expo, Hoshkii Happy/Kids Day, a free barbecue, Pueblo Country Opener for
Country Music Artist Gary Allan, a hot air balloon event, a traditional Navajo song and dance, an inter-tribal pow wow, a parade, an inter-tribal night performance, a fundraising golf tournament, a livestock and horticulture exhibit, a carnival, and more.
For more information about sponsorships, parade, event fees and participation or other related questions, please contact the Navajo Nation Museum Special Events Section at (928) 871-7941 or www.navajonationfair.com

Sources of information:
Navajo Nation Fair Website and Facebook Page
Navajo Nation Museum Special Events Section
928-871-7941

Olympics – Navajo Language Word of the Day Video

Source: Terry Teller (daybreakwarrior)
http://www.youtube.com/user/daybreakwarrior/featured

The Navajo Word of the Day is “Olympics”.
The word in Navajo for olympics is “Ahaa Honinééh.” To use this word in Navajo, you would say, “Ahaa Honinééhígíí éí London hoolyéedi baa na’aldeeh.” This means, “The Olympics are being held in London.” Breakdown:

Ahaa Honinééhígíí: The Olympics
Éí: it
London hoolyéedi: at the place called London
Baa na’aldeeh: it is being held

Since I hadn’t been updating my Navajo Words of the Day like I should, I added a new word today, “Alha’dikááh,” which means, “a lot of people racing side by side.” This is more of a term for a foot or running race, but it can also be used for other events. For example:

Dzi’izí (bike) Bee (by means of it) Alha’dikááh: Competitive Cycling
Na’alkóó?’ (swimming) Yee (by means of it) Alha’dikááh: Competitive Swimming

Here are different ways you can use these words in sentences:

Ryan Lochte éí Na’alkóó’ Yee Alha’dikááh yee atah.
Ryan Lochte is competing in the swimming event.

Taylor Phinney éí Dzi’izí Bee Alha’dikááh yee atah.
Taylor Phinney is competing in the cycling event.

Again, just a few words to share since the Summer Olympics are currently being held! Enjoy!

Little Colorado River Gorge

From Little Colorado Gorge Navajo Tribal Park you can get a fantastic view of the deep narrow gorge of the Little Colorado River.

Little Colorado River Gorge

Little Colorado River Gorge

The Little Colorado River starts at  Mt. Baldy in  Arizona through the Navajo Nation and then makes its way northward before reaching the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

The visitor center is located at the junction of Highway 89 and Highway 64 in Cameron, Arizona.

Little Colorado River Gorge

Little Colorado River Gorge

HOURS & FEES
Entrance Fee  Hours are:
8:00am – 7:00pm, 7 Days a week

Entrance Fee for at VIEWPOINT 1 is:
Per Car- $2.00
Per Motorcycle – $1.00
Per Tour Bus – $10.00
Per Commercial Van – $5.00

NO Entry Fees at VIEWPOINT 2

CONTACT INFORMATION
Little Colorado River Tribal Park Office / Visitor Center
P.O. Box 459
Cameron, AZ  86020
tel : 928-679-2303
fax : 928-679-2017

Little Navajo Indian Girl and Dog

Little Navajo Indian Girl and dog
A sweet child of the Navajos holding on to her pet dog. She wears the rich jewelry and sewed on dimes which constitutes wealth among this southwestern Indian tribe.

Date around 1943. Photo by Josef Muench

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY: Josef Muench was born in Bavaria February 8, 1904.
At the age of 11 he received his first camera and began a lifelong interest in capturing nature on film.

He arrived in the United States with his brother in 1926 and eventually settled in Santa Barbara, California. In the 1930s, Muench began his long association with Arizona Highways Magazine.

Josef Muench died in 1998.

Navajo National Monument

The boundary-line which divides Utah from Arizona divides the most gorgeous expression of the great American desert region. From the Mesa Verde National Park on the east to Zion National Monument on the west, from the Natural Bridges on the north to the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert on the south, the country glows with golden sands and crimson mesas, a wilderness of amazing and impossible contours and indescribable charm.

Within this region, in the extreme north of Arizona, lie the ruins of three neighboring pueblos. Richard Wetherill, who was one of the discoverers of the famous cliff-cities of the Mesa Verde, was one of the party which found the Keet Seel (Broken Pottery) ruin in 1894 within a long crescent-shaped cave in the side of a glowing red sandstone cliff; in 1908, upon information given by a Navajo Indian, John Wetherill.

Keet Seel, with over 160 rooms including six kivas, is the largest cliff dwelling in Arizona.

Professor Byron Cumming, and Neil Judd located Betatakin (Hillside House) ruin within a crescent-shaped cavity in the side of a small red canyon.

Betatakin Ruin has 135 rooms including living quarters, granaries and one kiva.

Twenty miles west of Betatakin is a small ruin known as Inscription House upon whose walls is a carved inscription supposed to have been made by Spanish explorers who visited them in 1661.

INSCRIPTION HOUSE - photograph by William B. Douglas - 1903

INSCRIPTION HOUSE – photograph by William B. Douglas – 1903

Inscription House, the smallest of the three, has 44 rooms, several granaries and one kiva. (Inscription House is closed to the public.)

The pueblos were vacated in the 1300s, probably due to erosion which depleted the soil in the canyon floor and lowered the water table

While these ruins show no features materially differing from those of hundreds of other more accessible pueblo ruins, they possess quite extraordinary beauty because of their romantic location in cliffs of striking color in a region of mysterious charm.

But the Indian civilization of our southwest began very many centuries before the arrival of the Spaniard, who found, besides the innumerable pueblos which were crowded with busy occupants, hundreds of pueblos which had been deserted by their builders, some of them for centuries, and which lay even then in ruins.

The desertion of so many pueblos with abundant pottery and other evidences of active living is one of the mysteries of this prehistoric civilization.

No doubt, with the failure of water-supplies and other changing physical conditions, occasionally communities sought better living in other localities, but it is certain that many of these desertions resulted from the raids of the wandering predatory tribes of the plains, the Querechos of Bandelier’s records, but usually mentioned by him and others by the modern name of Apaches.

These fierce bands continually sought to possess themselves of the stores of food and clothing to be found in the prosperous pueblos. The utmost cruelties of the Spanish invaders who, after all, were ruthless only in pursuit of gold, and, when this was lacking, tolerant and even kindly in their treatment of the natives, were nothing compared to the atrocities of these Apache Indians, who gloried in conquest.

Of the ruins of pueblos which were not identified with Spanish occupation, six have been conserved as national monuments.


Navajo National Monument, is run by the National Park Service,

Summer hours: From  May 27, 2012 to September 08, 2012.
The visitor center is open 8 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Winter hours: From  September 09, 2012 and ends May 25, 2013.
The visitor center is open 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. every day.  

Fees & Reservations
Free guided hikes to cliff dwellings.
Free self-guided trails on mesa top (3 of them).
Free campgrounds (48 sites total).
Free movies (3 of them!)

Source: National Park Service