![]() photo by sally king ![]() photo by sally king Cavates are predominately located in south or south-east facing cliffs. In these locations, the dwellings were warmed by sunlight during cold winter months. In the summer months, the thick stone kept them cool. ![]() photo by sally king Gouges in the ceilings of cavates show that builders used tools such as digging sticks and sharpened stones to enlarge naturally occurring openings in the tuff. Most cavates are single rooms, but some are connected by interior doorways. Many cavates were fronted with masonry structures up to three stories high that were constructed of tuff blocks and mud mortar. ![]() Cavates contain clues about the daily activities of the Ancestral Pueblo people who built them. These rooms were used for many things including weaving, grinding corn, and storage. Many cavates contain carved and plastered niches, probably for storing pots and household items. Sockets in the ceiling, along with anchors set in the floor, held supports for looms that were used for weaving. The cavates were also used as living quarters. |
Last updated: February 24, 2015