THE CHACOAN COURT KIVA

Abstract

There is great interest in the development and expansion of the great houses of the Chaco culture as a sui generis phenomenon. The study of the internal space of the great houses has lagged behind: rectangualar and circular rooms are distinguished, but with little consideration of additional details and of the integration of architectural components. The lack of detailed studies is owed in part to the costs of excavation (time, money, and social conflicts) and in a change of focus to detailed studies of artifacts. In this essay I support our understanding the functioning of the great houses of the Chaco culture by means of a study of a key architectural element, kivas (ceremonial rooms) in courtyards. The essay provides a new definition of couryard kivas and examines the role of such kivas in the great houses and communities of the Chaco culture. It is important to examine the large Chaco-style kivas, and the essay is based on a large number of such kivas in order to illuminate their characteristics and their importance in the Chaco culture.