The Anasazi complexes at Chaco Canyon were constructed over a 300-year period. That’s right- for 300 years, Pueblo Bonito was the center of civilization in this part of the world. It definitely changes your perspective on what the Americas were like before Columbus.
“Core and Veneer” is the name given to the stonework at Chaco Canyon. The inside of the walls is a jumble of stones and rubble mixed with mud mortar. Carefully selected smooth stones make up the outside surface on both inside and outside walls. Different styles were popular over the course of these three centuries. Two of the five styles are highlighted below.
Type II (early 11th century)
McElmo (early 12th century)
Besides the interesting historical context, I like the images for the textures of the stones.
Das Haus von Ruh 