In the heart of Chaco Canyon, archaeologists have unearthed turquoise-mosaic stone tables that appear to serve as navigational star maps. These tables, dating to the 11th century, were located at a key junction on the Great North Road and are linked to the "Great North" pilgrimage festivals that drew travelers from across the Ancestral Puebloan world.
The mosaics depict specific constellations that are only visible during the late spring, aligning with the timing of major ritual gatherings. The tables likely served both a functional purpose for navigators and a symbolic role during the festivals, representing the celestial journey of ancestors through the desert landscape.