Kivas
At a glance:
- Series: American Indians Ready Reference
- Categories: Religion, Ethics, Social Science
- Subcategories: Native Americans, American Indians, Ceremonies, Rites, Rituals
- Curriculum: American Indian History
- Geographical Location: United States
Article abstract: The kiva is a circular, semi-subterranean structure used for ceremonial purposes; each tribal clan or society, usually exclusively male, has its own kiva, where members meet to commune with the spirits and with one another
The kiva first appeared in the Southwest among the prehistoric Mogollon, Hohokam, and Anasazi cultures. The Mogollon were the first to begin building permanent houses; it is likely that they conceived and developed their architecture themselves, without outside influence. By circa 100 c.e., the Mogollon circular pit house...
[The entire page is 534 words long]
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