Tonto Cliff Dwellings

The Tonto Cliff dwellings are found in central Arizona, about 2 hours northeast of Phoenix. The cliff dwellings were inhabited by the Salado (Salt People) Culture around 700 years ago. The Salado people lived in the dwellings and farmed the nearby fields. They planted corn, beans, pumpkins, amaranth and cotton in the fields that they irrigated.

The pottery of the Salado's was made out of red clay from local pits and decorated with coloring made from different plants and mineral sources close by. The bowls and pots were used for cooking, storage and ceremonial purposes.