Interior of Casa Riconada great kiva seen from antechamber of main (S) entrance, Chaco Canyon, New Mexico: shows N entrance with hidden entrance below

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Interior of Casa Riconada great kiva seen from the antechamber of the main (S) entrance, Chaco Canyon, New Mexico: shows N entrance with hidden entrance (for magical appearances) below, central firebox, two of the circular pits which held the four ponderosa pine pillars supporting the roof, the encircling masonry bench with secondary bench on the E (R) and some of the 28 wall niches. Built around AD1100, aligned to celestial N, and with a diameter of c 20m (63+ft) this is one of the largest great kivas in the Southwest: an imposing subterranean structure for religious, ceremonial and other community activities.

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Size: 3547px × 2479px
Location: Casa Rinconada Great Kiva, Chaco Canyon, Farmington, San Juan County, New Mexico, USA
Photo credit: © Mick Sharp / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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