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The Sun Dagger
The astonishing discovery of an ancient celestial calendar in Chaco Canyon, NM.
58 minutes
Directed by Albert Ihde
Produced by Anna Sofaer, The Solstice Project
Narrated by Robert Redford
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"It changes forever history's perceptions of America's early Indian colonists."
Science 84
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This classic, timeless film documents the extraordinary celestial calendar created by ancient North American Indians, and rediscovered by artist Anna Sofaer, high on a butte in New Mexico.
The "dagger" is presently the only known site in the world that marks the extreme positions of both the sun and moon.
The film explores the complex culture of the Anasazi Indians who constructed the calendar, and thrived both spiritually and materially in the harsh environment of Chaco Canyon a thousand years ago.
Grade Level: Grades 7-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 1983
Copyright Date: 1982
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-089-8
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-320-9
Reviews
"It changes forever history's perceptions of America's early Indian colonists. And as an astronomical and geometrical marvel, it ranks with the Pyramids and Stonehenge." Science 84
"THE SUN DAGGER is a 'must-buy' for school districts and public libraries." Media and Methods
"The multidisciplinary nature of this film makes it possible to use it in many classroom situations. The excellent teaching guide, written by Don Reid, vastly improves the film's instructional value." Journal of College Science Teaching
"Both (versions) are excellent." Editor's Choice, Science Books and Films
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Links
The Solstice Project web site
Excellent Study Guide
Awards and Festivals
Blue Ribon, American Film Festival
CINE Golden Eagle
Margaret Mead Film Festival
Subjects
American Studies
Anthropology
Archaeoastronomy
Archaeology
Art/Architecture
Astronomy
History
Humanities
Indigenous Peoples
Native Americans
Physical Science
Religion
Social Studies
Western US
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