The Mystery of Chaco Canyon

I haven't seen this movie yet, however, my interested in learning more about this mystery. You've piqued my interest in the the unknown, and what's in store for me after the film. Please help me to understand how this mystery affects us in everyday life, collectively, and personally. Looking forward to your response. -Larry

I recall seeing this documentary when it first aired on my local PBS station about 2000 or so and the haunting mystery of the Chaco Canyon people has remained with me since. Redford narration, the soundtrack, and beautiful photography are compelling and blend perfectly with each other. Certainly the people of Chaco Canyon had an understanding of astronomy, architecture, mathematics, and surveying, far greater than other native American tribes. It is our duty as caretakers of this land to ensure that the legacy of the Chaco Canyon people is not lost to ignorance or superstition. This documentary of the invaluable, and respectful, archaeological work done at Chaco Canyon is an important contribution.

It's quite interesting to watch. Other reviewers covered it well. On a different note: Anna Sofaer sounds just like Sigourney Weaver.

When I watched this I had mixed feelings. Being Native American myself (Cherokee) I felt odd about the spot being studied, trespassed upon if you will. And I had thoughts, gut feelings, about the place itself. The documentary is very well done, but its the PLACE thats the subject here. I felt that in opening the sealed rooms, the purpose of the rooms and their having been sealed being unknown to the archaeologists, something that had been meant to be kept there was being released. Without permission or understanding. I also felt that the place had been meant only for a certain time and a specific purpose, which thought was echoed at the end of the film. Understanding all aspects of the thing wasn't important to me. Understanding that it was sacred to a People was what mattered.