To expand search, see American Indians. Laterally related topics: The Pueblo Indians, The Anasazi, The Blackfoot Indians, The Sioux, Hopewellian Indians, California Indians, The Navajo, and The Iroquois.
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Aveni, A. and Hartung, H. The observation of the Sun at the time of passage through the zenith in Mesoamerica. Archaeoastronomy No. 3 suppl. J. Hist Astronom. 12 (1981), S51--S70. (Reviewer: M. P. Closs.) SC: 01A10, MR: 82k:01003.
A careful analysis suggests that two near-vertical tubes in central America were used to mark the zenith sun, and possibly the June solstice. At about the time that the second tube was used, transits of the Pleiades could be observed as well. Arguing for the significance of this is the recent knowledge of the importance of the Pleiades in the Aztec calendar. In the structure containing the second tube is also a doorway making a place on the horizon. At the period in question, Capella underwent helical rise at that place on the same day as the first zenith sun. Further evidence of the importance of zenith sun watching is found in a clay model of a temple offering and in two clay figurines. The author gives an example of how observations of the sun through an aperture were also important to the Zuņi (in this case through the roof of a Zuņi chief or priest). Closely related topics: The Maya, Astronomy, and The Aztec.