kiva

An underground or partly underground chamber in a Pueblo village, used by the men especially for ceremonies or councils.

A sacred chamber, wholly or partly underground, in which many of the religious ceremonials of the Pueblo Indians are performed. Also estufa.

A large chamber built under, or in, the houses of a Pueblo village, used as an assembly room in religious rites or as a men’s dormitory. It is commonly lighted and entered from an opening in the roof.

A ceremonial underground chamber in a Pueblo village.