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Great Kiva Communities On The Mogollon Rim Frontier Anthropological Papers 66

Daniel Knight

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Published in Beyond Chaco: Great Kiva Communities On The Mogollon Rim Frontier (Anthropological Papers 66)

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The Mogollon Rim region of the American Southwest is home to a rich history of Puebloan cultures. These cultures flourished from approximately 200 CE to 1450 CE and left behind a legacy of impressive architecture, including great kivas. Great kivas were large, subterranean structures used for ceremonial and communal purposes. They were often decorated with elaborate murals and served as the focal point of community life.

Beyond Chaco: Great Kiva Communities on the Mogollon Rim Frontier (Anthropological Papers 66)

Beyond Chaco: Great Kiva Communities on the Mogollon Rim Frontier (Anthropological Papers Book 66)

by Sarah A. Herr

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	143 pages

This book, "Great Kiva Communities On The Mogollon Rim Frontier Anthropological Papers 66," presents a comprehensive anthropological study of these fascinating communities. It explores the history, architecture, and social organization of these communities, and offers new insights into their daily lives.

History of the Great Kiva Communities

The first Great Kiva communities emerged in the Mogollon Rim region around 200 CE. These communities were likely founded by migrants from the Mesa Verde region of Colorado. Over time, these communities grew and spread throughout the region, eventually reaching their peak around 1200 CE.

The Great Kiva communities were a complex and diverse society. They were organized into a series of clans, each of which had its own leader. The clans were then grouped into larger units called phratries. The phratries were responsible for organizing religious ceremonies and other community events.

The Great Kiva communities were also skilled farmers. They grew a variety of crops, including corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted game and gathered wild plants. The communities were able to store food in their granaries, which allowed them to survive through the winter months.

Architecture of the Great Kiva Communities

The most distinctive feature of the Great Kiva communities is their architecture. The great kivas were large, subterranean structures that were often decorated with elaborate murals. The kivas were used for a variety of purposes, including religious ceremonies, communal gatherings, and storage. The public architecture of these communities is characterized by solid masonry "core and veneer" construction with single-story rectangular compounds and often exterior balconies.

In addition to the great kivas, the Great Kiva communities also built a variety of other structures. These structures included houses, pit houses, and storage facilities. The houses were typically rectangular in shape and made of adobe or stone. The pit houses were similar to the houses, but they were dug into the ground. The storage facilities were used to store food and other supplies.

Social Organization of the Great Kiva Communities

The Great Kiva communities were organized into a complex social structure. The clans were the basic unit of social organization. Each clan had its own leader and its own set of rules and traditions. The clans were then grouped into larger units called phratries. The phratries were responsible for organizing religious ceremonies and other community events.

The Great Kiva communities were also divided into social classes. The upper class consisted of the clan leaders and the phratry leaders. The lower class consisted of the common people. The upper class had access to more resources and power than the lower class. However, all members of the community were expected to participate in community activities and contribute in a way that benefited the whole.

The Great Kiva communities of the Mogollon Rim Frontier were a fascinating and complex society. They developed a unique culture that was centered around the great kivas. These communities were able to survive and thrive in a harsh environment for centuries. Their legacy can still be seen today in the ruins of their settlements and the artifacts that they left behind.

This book, "Great Kiva Communities On The Mogollon Rim Frontier Anthropological Papers 66," is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating communities. The book provides a comprehensive overview of their history, architecture, and social organization. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the archaeology of the American Southwest.

Beyond Chaco: Great Kiva Communities on the Mogollon Rim Frontier (Anthropological Papers Book 66)

by Sarah A. Herr

4.1 out of 5