Common Features of the Kiva

      There are 4 main elements of Kiva design other than those discussed previously. They are:
      • Sipapu
      • Banquette
      • Ventilator and Deflector
      Most of these elements can be seen in the above photo.

      Sipapu

      The Sipapu is a small hole in the floor of the Kiva that symbolises the place of emergence of the Anasazi from the underworld, and allows access for the spirits of the Anasazi to enter the current world. Sipapus are still found in modern Pueblo Kivas, and are an important element in ceremonial customs.

      Banquette

      This was a bench like shelf that went around the internal walls of the Kiva. This could be used for seating in the Kiva. There were often small openings situated throughout the Kiva, built into the masonry, to hold small ceremonial objects.

      Ventilator and Deflector

      The ventilator emerged in the architecture of the Anasazi around the Pueblo I period (approximately 800AD). This replaced the antechamber feature of the Basket Maker pithouses. The ventilator was a tunnel, built from ground level down to the floor of the Kiva, to provide fresh air ( from the outside ) into the predominantly enclosed Kiva. The DEFLECTOR stone was also an important element of this ventilation process. This was a slab stone, placed upright in the floor of the Kiva, which caused the air to circulate throughout the Kiva.

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