Types of prehistoric Southwestern architecture

Name: Types of prehistoric Southwestern architecture
Author: Jesse Walter Fewkes

By Jesse Walter Fewkes

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Archaeology & Anthropology Architecture History - American

About This Book

The essay examines architectural forms produced by prehistoric Southwestern agricultural societies, linking the emergence of permanent masonry dwellings to irrigation, calendrical observation, and solar cults. It traces how seasonal needs and storage practices shaped room types and settlement permanence, contrasts Pueblo and cliff-dweller masonry with Old World examples to argue that building technique does not strictly reflect technological stage, and outlines a morphological classification of domestic, storage, and sacred structures. The author also emphasizes recurring worldwide principles in the organization of utilitarian versus ritual buildings arising from shared human needs.

About the Author

Jesse Walter Fewkes

Jesse Walter Fewkes was an American archaeologist and ethnologist known for his extensive studies of Native American cultures, particularly in the Southwestern United States. He served as a prominent figure in the Bureau of American Ethnology and contributed significantly to the understanding of prehistoric and historic indigenous peoples. Fewkes is recognized for his detailed reports and investigations, including works such as "Antiquities of the Mesa Verde National Park," which explores the archaeological significance of the region. His research not only documented ancient structures but also delved into the cultural practices of tribes like the Hopi, making him a key figure in the field of American archaeology.