V-Bar-V Heritage Site Survey

The survey of this site has been given a separate section since it is the most extensive site studied in the Sedona area and has the most extensive calendric effects. It is also the most accessible to the public.

This study describes the solar markings employing the midday sun at the V-Bar-V Heritage Site near Sedona, Arizona.  The Southern Sinagua created the rock art petroglyphs at V-Bar-V sometime during their use of the site between A.D. 900 and 1400. Archaeological research suggests that the area surrounding the V-Bar-V site was used extensively for agricultural purposes.  This survey strongly suggests the presence of an agrarian and ceremonial calendar covering the equinoxes, the solstices, and the times for early and full corn planting, as well as times for other ceremonial events important to the culture of the time.  The use of multiple astronomical images for each calendar marking greatly reduces the probability that such markings were chance occurrences.  The intricate geometry presented by the marking events is too exact to discount.

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V-Bar-V Introduction This presentation provides an overview to the V-Bar-V Ranch and the Sinagua who settled into the area.

V-Bar-V Spring Sequence This presentation provides the results of the survey for the Spring Equinox as well as the month of April and May.

V-Bar-V Summer Sequence This presentation provides the results of the survey for the Summer Solstice as well as the month of July and August.

V-Bar-V Autumn Sequence This presentation provides the results of the survey for the Autumnal Equinox as well as the month of October and November.

V-Bar-V Winter Sequence This presentation provides the results of the survey for the Winter Solstice as well as the month of January and February.

V-Bar-V Falling Spiral This presentation provides the results of the survey for the unusual, but significant, Falling Spiral petroglyph.

V-Bar-V Conclusions This page summarizes the conclusions drawn from the 12-month survey of this site.

Visiting the V-Bar-V This page provides information on visiting the V-Bar-V, and how to time your visit to see the solar effects.

The V-Bar-V Survey Results The results of the 12-month survey of this site have been put together in a monograph. Proceeds go to archaeological preservation and research in the Verde Valley.