Mesa Verde NP, Colorado

16. Cliff Dwellings

Our sons became fascinated with the Kivas, their construction and possible uses. Lancaster also excavated in April 1954, Kiva E at Far View House. This kiva, which had been missed by Fewkes in 1916, was discovered and partially excavated in 1934. Visitors were beginning to scratch in the un-excavated portion, so complete excavation was desirable. The kiva had been filled with trash during the latter part of the occupation of Far View House and the most important material recovered during excavation was several hundred turkey bones. The number and condition of the bones indicated definitely that turkeys were eaten by the Pueblo Indians of the Mesa Verde.