What convinced the Pueblo Indians that their gods were angry with them?
There are several historical events and factors that could have convinced the Pueblo Indians that their gods were angry with them. Here are a few possibilities:
1. Drought and famine: The Puebloans heavily relied on agriculture, and a prolonged period of drought or crop failure could have been interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure. If their crops failed or water sources dried up, they may have believed that they had somehow angered their gods.
2. Disease outbreaks: Epidemics and diseases could also be interpreted as divine punishment. If a contagious illness spread through their communities, causing sickness and death, the Puebloans may have believed that their gods were angry with them for some reason.
3. Conflict and warfare: The Puebloans occasionally engaged in intertribal conflicts or conflicts with neighboring indigenous groups. If they experienced a significant defeat or suffered heavy casualties in battle, they might have interpreted it as a consequence of displeasing their gods.
4. Natural disasters: The Puebloans' homeland is prone to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. If these disasters occurred frequently or caused significant damage to their settlements, the Puebloans might have seen them as a sign of their gods' anger.
5. Shamanic interpretations: Shamans and religious leaders within the Puebloan communities played a crucial role in interpreting and communicating with the spiritual realm. If these spiritual leaders observed or prophesied negative signs or omens, they could have convinced the community that their gods were angry.
It is important to note that the exact beliefs and interpretations vary among the different Pueblo groups, so the specific reasons for their belief in divine anger could vary accordingly.