Anasazi vs Pueblo: Understanding the Differences and Similarities of two Distinct Native American Groups

Anasazi; Pueblo

Tribes that settled in the Southwest; had culture based on farming & irrigation systems with permanent buildings

Anasazi and Pueblo are terms that are used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct groups of Native American people. The Anasazi are an ancient civilization that existed between 200 BCE and 1300 CE in the southwestern region of the United States, including parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. They are known for their impressive cliff dwellings, pottery, and agriculture.

The Pueblo peoples are the modern-day descendants of the Anasazi. They are a group of Native American tribes that live primarily in pueblos (villages) in the southwestern United States, including New Mexico and Arizona. They continue the traditions of the Anasazi, including pottery making, agriculture, and kachina dances.

There is debate among scholars about whether the term “Anasazi” is appropriate, as it is a Navajo word that means “ancient enemies.” Some argue that a more accurate term would be “Ancestral Puebloans,” as they are the ancestors of the Pueblo peoples.

Overall, both the Anasazi and Pueblo peoples hold an important place in the history and culture of the southwestern United States.

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