essay

Unstuffing the estufa: ritual floor features in Anasazi pit structures and Pueblo kivas

architecture of social integration in prehistoric pueblos (1) • Published In 1989 • Pages: 89-111

By: Wilshusen, Richard H..

Abstract
Wilshusen examines kivas in the ethnographic literature and in the archaeological literature to discuss how they can be recognized and how they may have been used. Using data from the Dolores Archaeological Project he makes an argument for two types of kivas serving two social groups: one corporate and the other the community. The community kivas helped in the governance of a community, had numerous ritual features, a role in community feasting, and were burned when abandoned. The community kivas were larger and had roofed vault features. The corporate kivas are smaller, more numerous, sometimes have domestic features, and simple sipapus and probably integrated 2-8 households.
Subjects
Sacred objects and places
Religious and educational structures
Congregations
Fire
Social relationships and groups
tradition
Early Anasazi
HRAF PubDate
2012
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 2011
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
1300-700 BP (AD 700-1300)
Coverage Place
Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, United States
Notes
Richard H. Wilshusen
Includes bibliographical references (p. 106-111)
LCCN
89081117
LCSH
Pueblo architecture
Pueblos--Social aspects--Southwest, New.
Indians of North America--Southwest, New--Social life and customs