Awatovi (ruins)
Awatovi ruins are the remnants of an ancient Hopi pueblo located in northeastern Arizona, covering about 23 acres near Antelope Mesa at an elevation of approximately 5,600 feet. Established during the Pueblo III period around 1150 CE, Awatovi was the easternmost Hopi village and remained occupied until its destruction in 1700. The site is significant for its archaeological findings, which include hundreds of rooms and a mission complex, excavated starting in 1935. The pueblo is associated with the Western Anasazi and features diverse pottery styles and late prehistoric mural paintings.
Awatovi was visited by early European explorers and became the site of a Franciscan mission from 1629 until the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The violent events leading to the pueblo's destruction were linked to tensions between the local Hopi community and the missionaries, culminating in a raid by Hopi warriors. Archaeological evidence from the site reveals the tragic impact of these conflicts, highlighting both the cultural richness of the pueblo and the challenges it faced during European contact. Today, Awatovi is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
Awatovi (ruins)
Category: Archaeological site
Date: 1150-1700
Location: Northeastern Arizona
Cultures affected: Anasazi, Hopi
The ruins of Awatovi pueblo are spread over approximately 23 acres near the southwestern tip of Antelope Mesa, one of the easterly fingers of the great Black Mesa, in the Jeddito drainage of northeastern Arizona. Situated at an altitude of about 5,600 feet above sea level, it was the easternmost of the Hopi villages. Awatovi was initially founded during the Pueblo III period, at around 1150 c.e. It was continuously occupied until its violent and tragic destruction in 1700. Archaeological excavations were undertaken at the site beginning in 1935 under the direction of J. O. Brew of the Peabody Museum at Harvard University. These resulted in the excavation of several hundred rooms of the pueblo and a complete excavation of the mission complex at the site.
Awatovi was within the territory of the Western Anasazi and represented one of several villages along the southeasterly edge of Antelope Mesa. Pottery studies have revealed a wide variety of styles, and detailed analyses include a study of the distinctive “corrugated ware” by archaeologist James Gifford. Kivas at Awatovi have also yielded examples of late prehistoric mural paintings.
The pueblo’s first European visitor is believed to have been Don Pedro de Tovar, who led the initial Spanish expedition into territory of the Hopi in 1540 under the service of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. It was visited again in 1583 by Antonio de Espejo and eventually became the site of a Franciscan mission, called San Bernardo de Aguatubi. The mission period lasted from 1629 to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, when the mission was destroyed.
The destruction of Awatovi in 1700 was precipitated by the activities of two Franciscan friars who reportedly converted and baptized several hundred Indians. This angered neighboring Hopi chiefs, who entered Awatovi when the friars left to seek military protection for the pueblo. Hopi warriors from other villages raided and burned the pueblo, killing many people and carrying off women and children. Archaeological investigations at the site confirmed the destruction of Awatovi, with evidence that individuals of both sexes and all ages had been violently mutilated and slaughtered. They also revealed evidence for the construction of a military barrack and stable complex, suggesting that the friars had intended to use Awatovi as a base for the reconversion of the Hopi.