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Who were the Anastazi Indians? Why did they suddenly disappear? Where did they go?
Anasazi-(no "T"). The Anasazi (or the Ancestral Pueblo People) were a fairly developed society. They are the creators of cliff dwellings, especially those at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado; Chaco Canyon (New Mexico); Hovenweep (Utah) and other sites in these areas. They lived primarily in and around the Four Corners area (NM, UT, CO, AZ). They didn't "disappear" they simply moved, probably because of environmental problems, i.e. drought. The modern Pueblos of New Mexico (there are 19 different Pueblo groups) and the Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo all believe they are descended in some way from the "Anasazi" so no, they didn't just disappear.
Zuni Fetishes
American Indians have used fetishes throughout recorded history. Fetishes are believed to hold magical powers and protect the owner or craftsmen from various problems of mind or body. Some believe that their mystical powers can even protect against problems of the universe. It is also believed that the care a fetish receives is directly proportional to the protection it will provide. Zuni Indians believe that fetishes must be properly cared for. They are given offerings of cornmeal and kept in special turquoise encrusted fetish pots or pouches. Often fetishes are adorned with turquoise, arrowheads and feathers. These are offerings to the fetish for gifts received or anticipated. Zuni Indians believe in the six cardinal guardian fetishes. Each guardian fetish guards one of the six directions: the mountain lion is the guardian of the North, the badger guards the South, the bear defends the west, and the wolf is the guardian of the East. The mole is the guardian of the inner Earth and the eagle is the guardian of the Sky. Fetishes sold today are more correctly referred to as carvings, as they have not been blessed by a medicine man. True fetishes are not commercially sold.
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Kachinas
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Kachina Dolls are gifts given in hope of future abundance and
health, as well as tools for education. The Kachina Dolls of today's
art market are a bridge not only between the spiritual world and
mortals but also between Hopis and non-Hopis. Each year Kachinas
come, they walk upon the earth and they dance to bring life and
renewal. When the Kachinas return to the spirit world at the end of
the planting, they return with prayers of the Hopi that we might all
continue on this earth for another round in the circle of life.
There are more than 250 different Kachinas, each with its own
separate attributes, representing everything from animals to
abstract concepts. The Hopi were the original Kachina Doll carvers,
using a single piece of cottonwood root. The Navajo began carving in
their own creative way, adding leather, feather, beads and turquoise.
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