Mesa of sorrows : a history of the Awat'ovi massacre

"In this rich work of anthropology, archaeology, and personal sleuthing, James Brooks carefully unravels a mystery of enormous violence that convulsed the desert Southwest some three hundred years ago—and that still sends off psychic shockwaves. Here is a haunting tale that is also deeply revealing, not only about the ancient Hopi Indians but all human societies."—Hampton Sides, author of Blood and Thunder The Hopi community of Awat'ovi existed peacefully on Arizona's Antelope Mesa for generations until one bleak morning in the fall of 1700—raiders from nearby Hopi villages descended on Awat'ovi, slaughtering their neighboring men, women, and children. While little of the pueblo itself remains, five centuries of history lie beneath the low rises of sandstone masonry, and theories about the events of that night are as persistent as the desert winds. The easternmost town on Antelope Mesa, Awat'ovi was renowned for its martial strength, and had been the... A scrupulously researched investigation of the mysterious massacre of Hopi Indians at Awat'ovi, and the event's echo through American history. The Hopi community of Awat’ovi existed peacefully on Arizona’s Antelope Mesa for generations until one bleak morning in the fall of 1700—raiders from nearby Hopi villages descended on Awat’ovi, slaughtering their neighboring men, women, and children. While little of the pueblo itself remains, five centuries of history lie beneath the low rises of sandstone masonry, and theories about the events of that night are as persistent as the desert winds. The easternmost town on Antelope Mesa, Awat’ovi was renowned for its martial strength, and had been the gateway to the entire Hopi landscape for centuries. Why did kinsmen target it for destruction? Drawing on oral traditions, archival accounts, and extensive archaeological research, James Brooks unravels the story and its significance. Mesa of Sorrows follows the pattern of an archaeological expedition, uncovering layer after layer of evidence and theories. Brooks questions their reliability and shows how interpretations were shaped by academic, religious and tribal politics. Piecing together three centuries of investigation, he offers insight into why some were spared—women, mostly, and taken captive—and others sacrificed. He weighs theories that the attack was in retribution for Awat’ovi having welcomed Franciscan missionaries or for the residents’ practice of sorcery, and argues that a perfect storm of internal and external crises revitalized an ancient cycle of ritual bloodshed and purification. A haunting account of a shocking massacre, Mesa of Sorrows is a probing exploration of how societies confront painful histories, and why communal violence still plagues us today. The Hopi Community Of Awat'ovi Existed Peacefully On Arizona's Antelope Mesa For Generations. Then One Bleak Morning In The Fall Of 1700 Raiders From Nearby Hopi Villages Descended On Awat'ovi, Slaughtering Their Neighboring Men, Women, And Children. Why Did Kinsmen Target It For Destruction? Drawing On Oral Traditions, Archival Accounts, And Extensive Archaeological Research, Brooks Unravels The Story And Its Significance, And Argues That A Perfect Storm Of Internal And External Crises Revitalized An Ancient Cycle Of Ritual Bloodshed And Purification. November 1700: The Gate Unguarded -- The Sorcerer's Kiva -- The Singing House -- Wolves From The East -- At Play In The Fields Of The Lord -- You Will Find Me Poor, While You Return In The Grandeur Of Plenty -- Across This Deep And Troubled Land -- Liminal Men, Liminal Souls -- At The Moment Of The Yellow Dawn. James F. Brooks. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.