SOUTHWEST INSPIRATION | Indian Country
There are many possible itineraries throughout the Four Corners' region that can take people to well-known and accessible Indian sites and ruins as well as several lesser known hideaways. Actually, the entire Four Corners' region was once occupied by several Indian tribes, and with so much to see it can be difficult to decide which direction to explore first. In the north there are important archeological sites immersed in stunning scenic and amazing landscapes. To the south there are canyons rich in beauty and heritage with many Old People (Anasazi) dwellings and rock art. In addition, it is interesting to meet with today's modern Native Americans in order to learn about their history, their present life, and their customs which are centuries old, handed down generation to generation only by word of mouth. Some less traveled, yet accessible areas are incredibly emotional and allow for deeper contemplative experiences. (*)
This journey takes travelers through Indian lands and introduces them to some of the most interesting trading posts of the southwest. These trading posts were developed to meet the needs of the Native American communities which were scattered throughout this vast territory. The region's commerce has its roots in Indian trade before the 1900's. And, for some trading posts, the families which still own them have been trading with locals for generations. A key role of the trading posts was that of pawn shops and later as an important influence in the creation of new decorative patterns for the native crafts which were directed to appeal to the tastes of the increasing number of tourists from the east.
All American Indian tribes live on reservation lands where they have full sovereignty as granted by the United States government with the power to govern themselves. They maintain a nation-to-nation relationship formalized in treaties with the U.S. federal government. In addition, today the U.S. Constitution recognizes Indian Tribes as distinct governments.
Ideas of Places to
Visit
All itineraries are designed to respond to the travelers' desires and interests. The one that follows presents one of many ways to see and enjoy a diversified as well as different route through parts of Indian Country and gives travelers an opportunity to travel through history and live some really unusual experiences.
Indian Country - 12
days
The visitor's port of entry and departure is Phoenix, Arizona. Their journey begins with a stop at the Heard Museum, where they can view some beautiful art made today by renown Indian artists from the southwest while learning about their ability to express beauty through carvings, paintings, sculpture, pottery, weaving and jewelry. Each style and medium is linked to one specific culture and its spiritual history.
The next day a beautiful desert and mountain drive delivers the traveler to Flagstaff's Museum of Northern Arizona which offers a different perspective on Indian art with collections of precious antique artworks. Then one can travel to a remote ruin that stands in the middle of a red and immense landscape, near a ancient volcano, that was once an important crossroads for the Ancient Ones. (Anasazi). Although not impressive as some larger archeological sites, this one is particularly touching for its few standing buildings. From here the visitor can also see the Painted Desert in the distance.
On the way to Hopi Indian villages the traveler stops at Tuba City in the Navajo Nation, which surrounds Hopi Nation, where a new museum offers a glimpse into this tribe's unique culture. Hopi villages are scattered near and on top of mesas and one can be visited with Hopi guides. Some famous and very skilled artists live here and the traveler will have the opportunity to visit with them to see first hand their most recent works and talk with them about their influences. The next stop will be the historic Hubbell Trading Post where visitors s tep back in time and experience this original 160 acre homestead, including the trading post, family home and visitor center with weaving demonstrations. John Lorenzo Hubbell purchased the trading post in 1878, ten years after the Navajo were allowed to return to their homeland from their terrible exile at Bosque Redondo, Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. During the four years which the Navajo spent exiled at Bosque Redondo, they were introduced to many new artistic influences and resources. Traders like Hubbell supplied those items once they returned home and further influenced the art of the Navajos by introducing new styles and colors.
The next destination is Canyon de Chelly, one of the most beautiful and breathtaking places within this entire region. At this incredible place the visitor will learn about the Navajo's rich, tragic and creative history. Two nights here allow visitors to choose how they would like to discover the canyon's mysteries, history and legends along with its cliff dwellings Leaving the canyon a stop at the Dine' College Mission offers a look into contemporary Navajo high education and at an interesting example of contemporary Native architecture. A stop at another trading post will allow visitors to walk through a collection of Navajo weavings that represent the area and enjoy a traditional Navajo lunch prepared by native cooks while the trading post's owner describes the history and the important role which these forms of commerce played in forming the history of the West.
An overnight in Window Rock will allow you to visit the local museum, learn about the important role of the Navajo Code Talkers during WWII and walk through the beautiful landscape surrounding the capital city of the Navajo Nation.
The Zuni pueblo lies in the rugged and forested western New Mexico territory and it was the first one encountered by the conquistadores when they arrived in this part of the world searching for the famed Seven Cities of Cibola (Gold) that didn't really exist except in the imaginary accounts of the early explorers. The town of Zuni has a lot to offer: a beautiful Mission Church with frescos by a local artist, a museum dedicated to the history of the pueblo and the people, fantastic displays of distinctive jewelry, pottery and beautiful dances and ceremonies. Once a month, not far from Zuni, a Navajo Rug Auction takes place which if schedules allows a fascinating experience. Gallup, established at the beginning of the railroad years, offers some interesting and often very crowded trading posts and galleries with a wide variety of treasures.
Back in Arizona one can visit the
R.B.Burnham & Co. Trading Post in Sanders which offers beautiful Indian artifacts and the stunning Petrified Forest surrounded by the colors of Painted Desert. You will then be on the Route 66 where one can even experience sleeping in a tepee! The next day the traveler can have an experience out of the ordinary by visiting a private ranch with a canyon rich in rock art. The next stop is the town of Globe located in the heart of the magnificent Tonto National Forest and surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in the Southwest. It has a colorful history and is supposedly named for a globe-shaped piece of pure silver found nearby. Nearby one will enter the San Carlos Apache reservation, among the poorest in the country, where the much desired Peridot stone is mined. The spectacular Superstition Mountains are the final segment of this itinerary before returning to Phoenix for departure. (*) 
* In order to fully understand the area, to access the places otherwise not easily discovered and reached, and to meet the most interesting people one must go beyond reading the tourist brochures by calling upon the expertise of Seven Directions.
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