Description

Nordenskiöld and Now

William G. Howard, Douglas J. Hamilton
& Kathleen L. Howard

Fifteen years before Mesa Verde became a national park, a young Swedish scientist
explored and photographed its landscape and cultural sites. Clambering up and down sheer cliffs while hauling heavy, cumbersome equipment, Gustaf Nordenskiöld produced vivid images. Publication of his comprehensive study of the ancient ruins the following year brought worldwide attention to the area.

For the centennial year of Nordenskiöld’s work, two couples carefully recreated his photographs. The resultant images contrast the natural and human-inflicted damages of centuries with the stabilized structures visible today. Photographing Mesa Verde presents those images along with a fascinating narrative about Nordenskiöld’s work at Mesa Verde.