Pilasters

Description: The kiva is believed to have contained four pilasters which were incorporated into the upper wall above the bench.

The best-preserved pilaster is located in the northeast quarter of the kiva. It is constructed of at least one vertical slab, one horizontal slab, several sandstone chunks and mortar. It measures 27 cm in height, 26 cm in width, and protrudes from the back wall 10 cm onto the bench surface. The top of this pilaster measures 39" above the floor of the kiva.

In the northwest and southeast corners of the kiva are the probable remains of two other pilasters. They are represented respectively by a single vertical slab in the upper wall and an area of reinforced rock where the bench "pinches out." A fourth pilaster is thought to have been located in the southwest corner of the kiva, but the wall there has slumped, and no evidence of any pilaster remains.

In the northwest and southeast corners of the kiva are the probable remains of two other pilasters. They are represented respectively by a single vertical slab in the upper wall and an area of reinforced rock where the bench "pinches out." A fourth pilaster is thought to have been located in the southwest corner of the kiva, but the wall there has slumped, and no evidence of any pilaster remains.

Interpretation: Based on the low (39") height of these pilasters, it is thought they served as basal supports for upright posts which in turn supported a square roof frame. For an illustration of how such a hypothesized roof was constructed, see the roofing discussion.