Historical Introduction to Studies Among the Sedentary Indians of New Mexico; Report on the Ruins of the Pueblo of Pecos
 Papers Of The Archæological Institute Of America, American Series, Vol. I

by Adolph Francis Alphonse Bandelier

"Historical Introduction to Studies Among the Sedentary Indians of New Mexico" by Ad. F. Bandelier is a scholarly historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the early interactions and understandings of European explorers with the sedentary Native American tribes in New Mexico and Arizona. Bandelier focuses on various legends and historical narratives, examining their implications for interpreting the culture and societal structures of the indigenous peoples. The opening portion establishes the historical context by discussing the earliest knowledge of sedentary Indians as transmitted through Mexican narratives, particularly the tales of "Seven Cities" and the "Seven Caves.” Bandelier explores the influential roles these legends had in shaping European perceptions of the region, providing insights into the migration and cultural significance of the tribes. He references notable figures like Fray Marcos de Nizza and Coronado, situating their expeditions within the broader historical landscape while emphasizing the importance of understanding these narratives for studying indigenous ethnography and culture.