Great Kivas

Great Kivas are large, circular ceremonial buildings used by ancient Puebloan cultures in the southwestern United States, particularly the Ancestral Puebloans. Typically built underground or partially underground with stone and timber, they served as communal spaces for religious rituals, social gatherings, and leadership ceremonies. These structures often feature a central hearth and a surrounding bench or platform. Great Kivas played a vital role in fostering community cohesion and spiritual practices, reflecting the social and religious organization of the pueblos. Their size and design indicate their importance as central places for collective worship and cultural activities.