The Sinagua Sunwatchers
Kenneth J. Zoll discovers an ancient solar calendar.
By: Jana Bommersbach 03/01/2009
Since his first discovery, he has identified 10 other calendars at sites in the Verde Valley, saying he went from “the high-tech of the 21st century to the high-tech of the 11th century.” Although self-taught in archaeoastronomy —a discipline that interprets rock art—he has received his teaching certificate on the subject from Todd Bostwick, the City of Phoenix archaeologist.
He is working on creating the first academic conference on “ancient astronomy” during the Festival of Native American Culture planned for June 5 to 13 in Sedona.
“What I really, really enjoy the most is when I explain the calendar and people tell me ‘I had no idea these people were so sophisticated and talented.’ There’s a changing perspective. The Sinagua were just as smart and sophisticated as the Inca or Mayans. These people were not ‘savages,’” Ken says.
The next discovery awaits this man who hikes into the mountains in the pitch black of night, for he must arrive before sunrise to track the path of the rising sun. He may extend these trips to overnight stays, so he can explore the patterns at sunset.
His wife worries about his jaunts into darkness, but she admits the discomfort is worth it, he says, since he is helping bring more understanding of prehistoric people.
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