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).

AbstractBrief abstract written by HRAF anthropologists who have done the subject indexing for the document
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).
SubjectsDocument-level OCM identifiers given by the anthropology subject indexers at HRAF
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Settlement patterns
Streets and traffic
Social relationships and groups
Military installations
traditionCulture name from the Outline of World Cultures (OWC)
Late Anasazi
HRAF PubDateThe date HRAF published the document
2012
RegionThe area the document pertains to
North America
Sub RegionThe more specific area the document pertains to, which is located within the Region
Southwest and Basin
Document TypeMay include journal articles, essays, collections of essays, monographs, or chapters/parts of monographs
Book
Evaluation
Creator TypeThe type of person writing the document, e.g. Ethnographer, Missionary, Archaeologist, Folklorist, Linguist, Indigenous Person, and so on.
Archaeologist
AnalystThe HRAF anthropologist who subject indexed the document and prepared other materials for the eHRAF culture/tradition collection
Sarah Berry; 2012
Field DateThe date the researcher conducted the fieldwork or archival research that produced the document
1988-1991
Coverage DateThe date or dates that the information in the document pertains to
460-12 BP (AD 1540-1988)
Coverage PlaceLocation of the research culture or tradition (often a smaller unit such as a band, community, or archaeological site)
Zuni region; west central New Mexico, United States
NotesAdditional 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
LCCNLibrary of Congress Control Number
95050245
LCSHLibrary of Congress Subject Headings
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