Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is proud to host a special presentation on Thursday, September 12th by Dr. J. McKim Malville on “Kingship, Ritual, and Trade at Chimney Rock.”
 
A major debate among archaeologists today concerns the nature of Great Houses in Chaco Canyon and the power of those kings to control a network of outlying communities. It is suggested that the Great Houses were palaces, the homes of elites, while commoners lived in the small houses across the Canyon. An opposing view suggests that pilgrims freely came into Chaco Canyon for festivals and trade, perhaps primarily near the solstices. According to this view, the Great Houses were generally empty except for caretakers, but came into their glory during great festivals as housing for visitors and centers for rituals. These competing views will be discussed as applied to Chimney Rock, which has been identified as the “ultimate outlier”.

Dr. J. McKim Malville is professor emeritus in the Department of Astro Physics and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado. Kim is that rare person who has contributed professionally to both the areas of study related to Chimney Rock; Astronomy and Archaeology. He has analyzed astronomy and archaeology at sites throughout the world including Machu Pichu, Egypt and England. His is the author of ten books and numerous professional articles.  His work at Chimney Rock has led to much greater interest in our site. His discoveries at Chimney Rock include the relationship between the Stone Basin and crab nebula super nova and the connection between the northern lunar standstill and the construction of the great house. The lecture is free of charge, open to the public and will begin at 7:00pm, following CRIA’s social hour at 6:00pm at The Springs Resort and Spa (Ecoluxe Building) located at 165 Hot Springs Blvd.