noun
- a ceremonial chamber, typically circular and partly underground, used by Pueblo Indians for religious rites
Usage: anthropology; Native American culture
Examples
- The ancient kiva was discovered during the archaeological excavation.
- Pueblo ceremonies were traditionally held in the village kiva.
- The circular kiva had a fire pit in the center.
- Access to the kiva was through a ladder from above.
- The walls of the kiva were decorated with symbolic paintings.
- Archaeologists found pottery fragments near the kiva entrance.