Kiva Cribbed Dome

Above left: Below-ground kiva illustrating masonry pilasters supporting first log ring of cribbed dome, at Aztec Ruin, New Mexico; Above right: multiple cylindrical kivas at Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Culture National Historic Park, New Mexico.

Chaco Culture, Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, 1000 C.E.; Ancestral Puebloan culture, traditional below ground spiritual room, located in sites throughout the Southwest U.S. The dome covering the circular underground chamber was composed of successive rings of logs, bearing on stone pilasters, each ring becoming progressively smaller nearing the dome top, which was left open as a smoke hole and for a ladder entrance.

Elevation vareis from 1220-2100 meters (4000-7000 feet) above sea level.

Materials: stone walls, cribbed wood dome with earth covering.

Data for CG model:
1.Lekson, Stephen H., 1986. GREAT PUEBLO ARCHITECTURE OF CHACO CANYON, NEW MEXICO, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, New Mexico.