Sinagua Sunwatchers

In reviewing claims of an archaeoastronomy site, archaeologists generally require some degree of precision for acceptance beyond a reasonable doubt. That precision implies astronomical intent in the creation of the site. In order to establish intent at the V-Bar-V Heritage Site, and to provide a degree of confidence in such intent, an eleven point criteria was applied:

Regional context of other alignments – A single ascribed archaeoastronomy site far removed from similar sites is less convincing than if a site is found in a region of similar confirmed sites. As has been described, other archaeoastronomy sites have been ascribed to the Anasazi, Hohokam, Mogollon and Sinagua in other parts of northern Arizona. Therefore, the V-Bar-V can be said to be a part of a regional context of other alignments.

Deliberate or distinctive sighting point – This criterion usually applies to sunrise and sunset sites at which the observer must be at a specific sighting point to make the observations, otherwise the azimuth readings would be incorrect. Other than for the Winter Solstice sun notch observation, there is no such sighting point at V-Bar-V since it is a midday site.

Inclusion of a definite pattern regarding time to read – For midday sites, indirect alignment by the maximum or minimum position of shadow or light, is a common pattern. As has been shown at V-Bar-V, this pattern is present for a limited period of time (6-7 minutes) on a consistent basis.

Use of important calendric days – Important calendric days include the solstices and equinoxes. Archaeological research suggests that the area surrounding the V-Bar-V site was used extensively for agricultural purposes. The V-Bar-V site records the equinox and solstice calendric days, as well as others important for an agrarian society.

Ethnographic involvement – This criterion involves the matching of sites to the cultural values and rituals of the inhabitants. As described with each observation point, specific ritual or agricultural necessity has been presented for most events. The richness of the ethnographic involvement at the V-Bar-V Heritage Site may be unique.

Use of astronomical symbols – Most rock art sites have a variety of images upon which light and shadow may provide interesting effects. Archaeoastronomy sites must, obviously, employ established astronomical symbols in order to ascribe astronomical meaning. As has been shown, the V-Bar-V uses common astronomical symbols of concentric circles, spirals, snake-like and sun-like glyphs.

Uniqueness or definitiveness of construction – Astronomical sites have a certain uniqueness or creativity that sets them apart. The V-Bar-V makes creative use of light and shadow to produce complex geometric matching of multiple symbols. The play of sun and shadow produced by two unusual stone outcroppings is unique. Likewise, the use of multiple symbols for every astronomical event shows a definitiveness of construction.

Progressive sequencing of a series of lighting events – While a single event site, such as for the summer solstice, may raise some skepticism, a site with a progressive series of events is much more compelling. As has been shown, the V-Bar-V displays a definite sequencing of lighting events for a full 12 months, including the equinox, solstice and intervening calendric markers.

The accuracy of an alignment to the Sun’s position on certain days – Accuracy signifies implicit precision in the intent of the maker of an alignment. The V-Bar-V displays remarkably complex geometric alignment of multiple symbols to the Sun’s position on specific days of importance. This precision is the strongest evidence for purposeful intent.

Chipping or shaping of shadow-casting surfaces to match targets –Multiple petroglyphs on the bluff surface have been created to match the shadow or light targets produced by the shadow stones. Whether the shadow stones are natural geologic features or enhanced is of lesser importance to establishing the deliberate creation of the symbols to match the target shadow lines or sun shaft. Likewise, the apparent use of notches on the edge of the panel to mark time periods instead of images provided effective targeting for those periods.

Unusual petroglyph placement – The astronomical symbols at V-Bar-V are unusual in several aspects: (1) the quantity of symbols; (2) the concentration of such images on one of the thirteen possible panels; and (3) the range of the images covering a 288 cm by 289 cm area. Considering that the images were all created at a height above the stature of the Sinagua (average male of 5’-6”), adds to their unusual placement and intentional purpose.

Based on this eleven point criteria, as well as the direct observations made over the span of a full year, a high degree of confidence can be applied to a finding that the V-Bar-V Solar Panel represents a calendar of intentional design.