Antiquities of the Mesa Verde National Park: Spruce-Tree House

A scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the archaeological studies and findings related to Spruce-tree House, one of the significant cliff dwellings located in the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. The book likely explores the construction, design, and artifacts of the site, providing valuable insights into the ancient inhabitants of the area and their culture. At the start of the publication, the author discusses the context of his excavation work at Spruce-tree House, which was conducted under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution’s Bureau of American Ethnology. Fewkes details the geographical and geological features surrounding the ruin and provides a historical background of prior explorations in the region. He outlines the overall structure of Spruce-tree House and introduces its main attributes, such as the number of rooms and kivas, architectural styles, and evidence of previous inhabitants. The opening sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the site’s physical characteristics and archaeological significance, establishing a foundation for the subsequent analysis of artifacts and cultural patterns.