Tyuonyi, the most interesting archaeological area within Bandelier National Monument (New Mexico), named for the archaeologist Adolph F. Bandelier, who was active at the end of the 19th century in the Southwest. The circular pueblo at one time encompassed perhaps 400 rooms and three kivas (only one of which has been excavated). Some of the buildings were two stories high. Between 1100 and 1550, the population was approximately 100.

Cedar Tree Tower and a well-preserved kiva on the Chapin Mesa. Because of the wide view it allowed, this tower most likely served as a watch tower. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)

Winter at Wupatki National Monument (Arizona). Wupatki is an Indian word meaning «greathouse» The entire pueblo encompassed more than 100 rooms and reached a height of three stories. The red stone used in its construction is ideal in that it is easily split into horizontal slabs. The pueblo was inhabited from 1100 to 1220 and may have housed as many as 250 to 300 people. Sinagua Culture.

One of the great kivas of Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico); 60 feet in diameter. Middle: A fire altar; these square structures, covered with boards, may have been used as floor drums, on which people danced. Jewelry and cult items were found in the square niches built into the curved walls.

Roof of a restored kiva, Pecos National Monument (New Mexico). The ladder at the center leads into the subterranean ceremonial room.

View of Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon (New Mexico). Built between 930 and 1130, this pueblo has a diameter of 178 feet, which encompassed 800 rooms, 35 kivas and two great kivas (about 20 feet and 13 feet in diameter respectively). It was considered the largest immobile object in the world, until a larger one was created in ew York in 1882.

View into one of the kivas at Mug House, Mesa Verde (Colorado), with the six characteristic features: fire pit, deflector, sipapu, air shaft, pilasters and bench.

The restored kiva at Kuaua, Colorado State Monument (New Mexico), is known for its beautiful 15th-century frescoes. Those shown today are copies; the originals are stored in the nearby museum. The paintings, done in black, yellow, red, blue, green and white, are related to fertility rites involving prayers for rain and the good will of the gods and the Pueblo cosmogony.

The pueblo of Keet Seel (or Kiet Siel), Navajo National Monument (Arizona). 115 feet long and 16.5 feet deep, it is the largest cliff dwelling in Arizona. It encompasses six kivasand approximately 160 rooms, 75 of which are almost perfectly preserved.

The Pueblo of Betatakin, Navajo National Monument (Arizona), located a few miles southeast of Keet Seel. lt contains 135 rooms and was built into a 76-foot rocky overhang within the 160-foot-high red sandstone cliff.

Photo Gallery