VIL THE KIVAS OF PUEBLO BONITO 



There are Z7 kivas represented on the National Geographic 

 Society's ground plan of Pueblo Bonito (fig. 2). Seven of these were 

 examined by Pepper (1920) for the Hyde Expeditions; the re- 

 mainder, including two (Y, Z) cleared by unknown individuals be- 

 tween 1900 and 1920, by the Society. We reexamined Kiva 162 in 

 part; tested, but did not excavate, O, P, S, and 2-C. We have no 

 idea how many were in use contemporaneously nor how many were 

 still functioning at the final exodus from Pueblo Bonito. Only six 

 (H, J, K, L, T, and 2-D) had become accepted dumps for neighbor- 

 ing household rubbish; only two (H and J) had been deliberately 

 stripped of their ceiling timbers. Where fire is indicated it followed 

 the accumulation of wind-blown sand. Other and older kivas preceded 

 those now visible, as illustrated on figures 3-6. Ceremonialism was 

 deeply rooted at Pueblo Bonito ! 



In present Pueblo villages there may be one kiva or several. 

 Anthropological opinion differs as to the kiva's primary function, but 

 it is generally agreed that each serves as a masculine retreat — a man's 

 club that is not a club but a place in which members of an esoteric 

 group can meet to rehearse prescribed rituals or just loaf around. 

 Traditionally the kiva is a subterranean room, although sometimes, as 

 at Pueblo Bonito, this relative position was simulated by razing two or 

 more dwellings, building the kiva within, and leaving the house walls 

 standing. Traditionally the kiva was circular although a rectangular 

 form was sometimes favored. 



Pertinent data relative to our 37 Pueblo Bonito kivas are given in 

 the table on pages 178-179. 



It will be noted that these are all very much alike but not 

 precisely so. The majority are equipped with a central fireplace, 

 an under-floor ventilating system, a subfloor vault west of the 

 fireplace, and an encircling bench having 6 to 10 low pilasters and 

 a shallow recess at the south. These several features unite to 

 distinguish what I have termed "the Chaco-type" kiva. Upon the 

 pilasters, which are rarely more than 9 inches high, a cribwork of 

 overlapping logs rose to form a domed ceiling. Depth made ladders 

 essential. The middle of the roof presumably was left open as a 

 smoke vent and a means of ingress and exit. 



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