FBWKES] ANTIQUITIES OF MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK 49 



As the kiva is the men's room, and as religions exercises are hirgely 

 controlled by men. snch ceremonies occnr in kivas, which are prac- 

 ticalh" the ceremonial rooms." 



KIVAS OF THE FIRST TYPE 



All kivas of the first type are constructed on the same general plan, 

 the ditferent parts being somewhat modified by surrounding condi- 

 tions. AA-liile their general form is circular or cylindrical, some are 

 square with rounded angles, others oblong, and others more or less 

 heart-shaped. Their diameter and height vary according to circum- 

 stances, but this type is always subterranean when possible, even 

 though excavation in the rock may be necessary. 



The walls of the kivas are sometimes double, and the masonry is 

 generall}^ well constructed. The walls show evidences of plastering, 

 which is decorated in some instances with paintings or incised fig- 

 ures. The number of pilasters is commonly 6, but 4 and 8 are also 

 evident ; rareW, as in kiva M (the subtype) , all are missing. Be- 

 tween these pilasters are the so-called banquettes, one of which is 

 usually larger than the others. The banquettes are generally built 

 3 or 4 feet in height, consequently they could scarcely have been 

 intended for seats. 



The pilasters are commonly rectangular, sometimes square, the 

 size being about uniform from base upward. In rare instances a 

 pilaster has a cubby-hole'^ in one side. Where circumstances require 

 the A'entilator penetrates the rear portion of the pilaster, but the flue 

 never enters the side of the kiva under a pilaster. 



The pilasters, which are almost universal in kivas of the first type, 

 as has been shown in the description and illustrations of the eight 

 kivas of Spruce-tree House, served as supports for the roof beams. 

 These rafters of pine rested upon and served to support other logs 

 laid one over another, so that finally the roof opening was covered. 

 Across the middle of the walls, at the top, two long parallel logs 

 were placed, in order to add stal)ility to the roof structure. These 

 beams were set far enough apart to allow a hatch midway between 

 their ends, which served the purpose of an entrance and also per- 

 mitted the escape of smoke from the fire directly below. 



Over the framework of logs were laid small sticks, filling the in- 

 terstiees, and above these was spread a layer of cedar bark ; the whole 

 was then covered with clay, thus bringing the upper surface of the 

 roof to the level of the adjacent plaza. Whether the kiva walls 

 projected above the plaza and roof level is unknown, but possi- 



» In certain ceremonies of Ilopi women's societies tlie liiva has also come to be a 

 meeting place for tl:ese sororities and where they erect their aUars. 



* These small holes, generally square, are usually found in the wall below the banquette. 



44720°— En]]. 51—11 4 



