noun
- ceremonial chambers built by Pueblo Indians, typically circular and partly underground, used for religious rituals and community gatherings
Usage: anthropology; archaeology
Examples
- The ancient kivas at Mesa Verde show evidence of elaborate religious ceremonies.
- Archaeologists discovered several well-preserved kivas in the cliff dwellings.
- The Hopi people still use kivas for traditional ceremonies today.
- These circular kivas were central to Pueblo community life.
- The kivas were accessed through openings in the roof.
- Researchers found pottery fragments scattered around the kivas.