Book

Historic Zuni architecture and society: an archaeological application of space syntax

University of Arizona Press • (60) • Published In 1996 • Pages: xiv, 176

By: Ferguson, T. J. (Thomas John).

Abstract

Ferguson writes about historic Zuni settlements in order the shed some light on the prehistoric and protohistoric settlements. Only the data that pertain to settlements from earlier than AD 1629 (371 BP) or data that might shed some light on prehistoric and protohistoric settlements were indexed for OCM (Outline of Cultural Materials) codes. Ferguson applies the theory of space syntax to the settlements to investigate the changes that occurred in Zuni society. Three historic villages from the early seventeenth century are indexed; they are Hawikku, Kechiba:wa, and Kyaki:ma. Other villages briefly described are Mats'a:kya, Kwa'kin'a, Chalo:wa, and Halona:wa North. Space syntax theory is used to help explain social relations by examining the the internal and external configuration of buildings. This examines relations between the occupants of a building or community and the relations the occupant have with other people. Ferguson investigates how easy or how difficult it is to enter a settlement and to move within the settlement. Access into and within early seventeenth-century pueblos was difficult for outsiders. This was partly to reinforce their defensive characteristics. The open space that did exist was to foster social interaction among the occupants of the pueblo. Ferguson states the change in open space of the prehistoric pueblos when compared to the historic pueblos indicates there was a major change in Zuni social organization and this observation requires future research. "The techniques of space syntax were only applied to analyze open space at ground level in this study. In retrospect, this limited approach does not adequately capture the real routes of access within a multistoried pueblo where rooftop terraces are used as activity areas." (page 150).

HRAF PubDate

2012

Region

North America

Sub Region

Southwest and Basin

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Analyst

Sarah Berry; 2012

Field Date

1988-1991

Coverage Date

460-12 BP (AD 1540-1988)

Coverage Place

Zuni region; west central New Mexico, United States

Notes

T. J. Ferguson

Architecture and society -- Theory, method, and techniques of space syntax -- Perspectives on Zuni settlement and social organization -- Historic Zuni settlements --Organization of open space in historic Zuni settlements -- Internal structure of residential space -- The structure of architectural and social change

Includes bibliographical references (p. 153-163) and index

LCCN

95050245

LCSH

Zuni architecture

Zuni Indians--Social life and customs

Zuni Indians--Antiquities

Architecture and society--New Mexico

Symbolism in architecture--New Mexico

Spatial behavior--New Mexico

Social structure--New Mexico

Social archaeology--New Mexico

New Mexico--Antiquities