Making the “Stars” of Navajo “Planetaria”

Abstract

Navajo pictograph panels of crosses on cave ceilings in Arizona and New Mexico are believed to represent stars. It has been thought that the “stars” in these “planetaria” (1) were brash-or wooden-stamp painted, (2) were reached by ladder, scaffold, or poles, (3) are eighteenth century, and (4) were made for ritual purposes. Field examination and informant testimony reveal that (1) many or most crosses were applied with stamps made from yucca leaves or other materials, (2) the bow and arrow was one way of gaining access to high ceilings, (3) some crosses were made as late as 1920, and (4) in some cases, mere amusement was the sole motive for application.

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