The Pueblo Children of the Earth Mother

The Pueblo Indians of Arizona and New Mexico have retained more of their traditional lifestyle than any other native peoples in North America. For generations, they and their ancestors, the Anasazi, have found peace with the spirits to which they entrust themselves, overcome incredible hardships, tilled the soil as part of a ritual of life, and created ingenious art and architecture. They provide a unique view into an unbroken history. In this first of a two-book chronicle, Thomas Mails recounts that history in elegant prose and exquisite drawings and paintings.

Since 1973, Mails has been documenting the traditional customs, rites, and artifacts of Native Americans in his books, paintings, and drawings. Many tribes have adopted him -- in Sioux, his name is Wa-O-Ki Ye, "One Who Helps" -- and it was to Mails that a 105-year-old Hopi elder turned when he wanted to reveal his tribe's ancient prophecies to the world, which Mails did in his 1995 book Hotevilla.

In The Pueblo Children of the Earth Mother, Mails illuminates the fascinating story of the Anasazi and the Pueblo Indians, from their roots in Peru in 2000 B.C., to the first Basketmaker Anasazi of 400 B.C., through the Pueblos of today. For each stage in their development, he describes the influences, homelands, dwellings, adronments, religion, weapons, crafts, food gathering and preparation, educational system, social life, and death rites that have helped form this fascinating and enduring people. Throughout the book, his meticulously rendered illustrations emphasize the brilliant and symbolic color that has attended the culture throughout its long history.