Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Kivas are underground ceremonial chambers used by the Ancient Puebloans for religious rituals and community gatherings. They were typically circular or rectangular in shape and had a central fire pit.
The Ancient Puebloans were Native American people who lived in the southwestern United States from around 700 AD to 1300 AD. They were skilled farmers, architects, and artists known for their cliff dwellings and pottery.
Great Kiva: A larger version of a kiva that served as a central gathering space within an Ancient Puebloan village.
Hopi Tribe: A modern-day Native American tribe known for their connection to ancient Puebloan culture and continued use of kivas in religious ceremonies.