Anasazi Art, History, and Culture

Archaeologists use five basic characteristics to determine if an excavation site is Anasazi(Ancestral Pueblan) or not. First, the site must have a kiva, or underground ceremonial site for gatherings. Second, it must have a unit pueblo. A unit pueblo was building made up of a room block of between two and twelve rooms that was linked to a kiva or plaza. The third characteristic was that the kiva and pueblo unit must face south or southeast. The fourth characteristic was the distinct gray and white pottery with a corrugated exterior. Last, was the burial pattern. Bodies were buried with the legs against the chest, lying on their sides, with their heads pointing east.