Polydactyly in Chaco Canyon: A Revered Trait Among the Ancestral Puebloans
The Mystery of Chaco Canyon
Chaco Canyon, an enigmatic archaeological site in northwestern New Mexico, has long puzzled researchers. Despite its scarcity of water and arable land, it became the center of a thriving Pueblo culture in the mid 800s A.D. One of the most intriguing aspects of Chaco Canyon is the reverence its inhabitants held for people with extra toes or fingers, a condition known as polydactyly.
Polydactyly: A Common Trait
Anthropologist Patricia Crown’s research revealed that polydactyly was significantly more common among the Ancestral Puebloans of Chaco Canyon than in Native American populations today. Three out of 96 skeletons examined from Pueblo Bonito, a site within the canyon, exhibited an extra digit on their right foot. This rate of 3.1% is far higher than the typical 0.2% prevalence of polydactyly.
Ritual Significance
The remains of individuals with polydactyly were treated with special reverence. They were often buried in or near ritual rooms, and one individual even had an elaborate bracelet adorning the ankle of the foot with the extra toe. This suggests that extra toes were associated with high status and importance within the Pueblo community.
Polydactyly Beyond Chaco
The Ancestral Puebloans’ fascination with polydactyly extended beyond Chaco Canyon. Doctor Maureen Hirthler and hand surgeon Richard Hutchison documented images of polydactyl hands and feet throughout the Four Corners region of the southwest, including Sand Canyon, Colorado; Tapia del Cerrito, Arizona; Sedona, Arizona; Lewis Canyon, Texas; and various locations in New Mexico and Utah.
Environmental Causes
Eastern New Mexico University biological anthropologist Kerriann Marden speculates that environmental factors may have contributed to the high prevalence of polydactyly in Chaco Canyon. The area is known for its uranium deposits, and exposure to hazardous materials or dietary components during pregnancy could have triggered mutations leading to extra digits.
Cultural Implications
The reverence for people with polydactyly among the Ancestral Puebloans provides insights into their cultural beliefs and values. It suggests that they embraced human diversity and perceived physical anomalies as signs of distinction and significance. Furthermore, the association of extra digits with high status and ritual practices highlights the importance of physical attributes in their social hierarchy.
The Significance of Turquoise
Turquoise, a highly valued mineral among the Ancestral Puebloans, played a significant role in the rituals surrounding polydactyly. Individuals with extra toes were often depicted wearing turquoise jewelry, and turquoise objects were found in association with their remains. This suggests that turquoise was believed to enhance the spiritual power and status associated with polydactyly.
Polydactyly as a Window into the Past
The study of polydactyly in Chaco Canyon offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural practices, beliefs, and environmental influences that shaped the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. By examining the archaeological evidence and considering the cultural context, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating and enigmatic society.