March 24, 2005. Timely through May 1, 2005.
For more information, call 1-800-422-8975, ext. 130. Media photo provided below.

Cortez, Colorado
Throughout the ages, people have marked the times in life when changes occur. Over the last thousand years, Pueblo women have acknowledged and marked the life stages of childhood, puberty, pregnancy, parenthood, and old age. Join Crow Canyon Archaeological Center as we explore these passages in the program Seasons and Cycles: Pathways of Pueblo Women. Beginning on Sunday, July 31, and ending on Saturday, August 6, 2005, this learning adventure takes participants into the world of ancient and modern Pueblo Indian women by visiting archaeological sites and private homes in Pueblo Indian villages.

In the Four Corners area, home of their ancestors and a place very much alive for today's Indian people, these women continue the traditions set out for them over centuries. Walk across the land where ancient Pueblo people grew crops of corn, beans, and squash. View rock art panels that reveal early Pueblo recognition of astronomical connections to changing phases and stages such as agricultural seasons and the fertility cycles of humans. Images of birds, corn, flute players, animals, and humans in various poses adorn the walls of kivas, canyons, and caves throughout this land, suggesting the importance of the people's connections to the natural and supernatural worlds. Many of these same images now appear on the pottery, textiles, and other expressive arts made by modern Pueblo people, revealing a continuity of philosophy and world view from the past to today.

From the pueblos along the Rio Grande to the deserts of New Mexico, daily life continues to mark in simple, elaborate, and meaningful ways, the cycles of women's lives. Women find the sacred rhythms of life in preparing foods, in nurturing children and elders, and in processing clay to make pottery. This program is a special opportunity for anyone interested in Pueblo Indian culture or gender studies to experience life teachings from the perspectives of Pueblo women.

Guided by scholars Dr. Tessie Naranjo and Dr. Sue-Ellen Jacobs, this program is an opportunity to examine the evidence for Pueblo women's life-pathways from birth to old age and discuss the unique perspectives of traditional Pueblo women living in a modern world. Tessie and Sue-Ellen have collaborated on several projects over the years and have great respect for each other's work and perspectives.

Dr. Tessie Naranjo is a sociologist and potter from the Tewa pueblo of Santa Clara. Trained in the Western scholarly tradition and a talented artist, she is a spokesperson on Native American issues. She was the first chairperson of the advisory committee of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

Dr. Sue-Ellen Jacobs is a professor emerita of Women Studies at the University of Washington. An anthropologist trained in all aspects of the field, Dr. Jacobs has focused her research on women's roles and gender studies and was an early founder of feminist anthropology and women studies. She has spent over 30 years studying Pueblo cultures, creating fascinating theories about gender identities, roles, and diversity.

An excellent opportunity for generations to travel and learn together, the program welcomes everyone from teenagers to grandparents. The cost for this exploration is $1,495 based on shared accommodations. A single supplement is available. The price includes Crow Canyon tuition, all meals, lodging, and local transportation.

Crow Canyon is a not-for-profit organization offering excavation, workshop, and travel programs in the greater Southwest and throughout the world. To register for a program or for more information, phone 800-422-8975, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. mountain time.

The photo below may be used by the media to accompany this press release. No other use is authorized. Photographer credit and copyright notice is required.

The twin spires of Chimney Rock Archaeological Area, Colorado. Photo by Erin Baxter. Copyright © 2003 Erin Baxter.