l82 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 



could give no reason for their presence. Similar vaults form one of 

 the typical elements in great kivas but are not common in the lesser 

 chambers. 



The small house did not give evidence of growth stages as distinct 

 as those observed in the large building. It did show, however, that a 

 fairly small structure had been enlarged from time to time by the 

 erection of additional rooms. The walls, like those in the later por- 

 tions of the large structure, had been built of cubical blocks of stone. 

 But in contrast the material in this building had been worked and 

 shaped to a greater degree and more care had been expended in the 

 construction. The dwelling may have been erected by the same group 

 which built the later portions of the large structure, but they were 

 more particular about results in this instance. The lack of ceremonial 

 chambers in the block of the building, as well as their absence in the 

 earth outside, presents a perplexing problem. One explanation for 

 the condition is that the people from this dwelling may have joined 

 those in the large structure in the performance of sacred rites and for 

 that reason did not construct chambers of their own. 



The finding of two great kivas is significant. They demonstrate 

 that the type had a wider distribution than has heretofore been sus- 

 pected and are another indication of a Chacoan element in the com- 

 munity. Investigations in the Southwest have shown that such struc- 

 tures are always associated with some form of that culture. Great 

 Kiva No. i was completely excavated, and it revealed all of the 

 essential characteristics of such a building. Because of this it may 

 be supposed that they also were present in the other one. Great Kiva 

 No. 2 is the largest yet discovered. Casa Rinconada in the Chaco 

 Canyon has long been regarded preeminent among super ceremonial 

 houses, but it must yield to the one in this group. Great Kiva No. 2 

 averages 78 feet in diameter while Casa Rinconada is only J2 feet 

 across. Great Kiva No. 1 is larger than many great kivas. Its 

 average diameter is 55 feet. These super kivas represent a tremendous 

 amount of labor on the part of people equipped only with stone im- 

 plements and must have been of great importance to them. The 

 exact function of such structures is not known but it is probable that 

 they were dedicated to the performance of major communal cere- 

 monies whereas the lesser observances took place in the small circular 

 chambers. Two great kivas in a community as small as this might 

 imply that the ceremonial side of its life was overemphasized. It is 

 possible, however, that this was the religious center for the whole 

 district. Within a radius of several miles are many house sites, none 



