Man first came to Canyon de Chelly and its tributary, Canyon del Muerto, thousands of years ago. Within this sandstone sanctuary, he found shelter, water and fertile soil in which to grow his corn. At first, life was simple. Man lived in caves or shelters made of stone and brush. Although he grew some corn, he lived off the land, hunting and gathering wild foods. He wove beautiful baskets but had not yet mastered the art of making pottery.