Abstract
A large performance space attached to a natural amphitheater in a cliff face has recently been identified at the geometric center of the precolumbian (“Anasazi”) architectural complex in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. The Amphitheater is a semicircular arc of sandstone measuring approximately 167m wide by 30m high. Sound recordings of computer-generated tones and swept sine waves, classical flute, Native American flute, conch shell trumpet, and prerecorded music were made in the amphitheater. Recording equipment included an analog tape deck, digital minidisk, and direct digital recording to a laptop computer hard drive utilizing stage-performance-quality microphones. The arc is in an overhanging cliff face and brings distant sounds to a line focus. Along this line there are unusual acoustic effects at conjugate foci. Time history analysis showed that a 60 dB reverberation decay lasted from 1.8 to 2 seconds, nearly ideal for the public performance of music. The acoustical properties of the Amphitheater are recognized by Navajo people (Diné). It has been given a special place name and is still used by Navajo ceremonial practitioners, utilizing shell trumpets, eagle bone whistles, and reed flutes.
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