Historic Zuni Architecture and Society

An Archaeological Application of Space Syntax

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Archaeology
Cover of the book Historic Zuni Architecture and Society by T. J. Ferguson, University of Arizona Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: T. J. Ferguson ISBN: 9780816536603
Publisher: University of Arizona Press Publication: December 15, 2016
Imprint: University of Arizona Press Language: English
Author: T. J. Ferguson
ISBN: 9780816536603
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
Publication: December 15, 2016
Imprint: University of Arizona Press
Language: English

The historic architecture and settlements of the Zuni Indian Tribe in western New Mexico provide an unusual opportunity to investigate social change. In this monograph, the development of historic Zuni society is analyzed by delineating systematic links between the structure of Zuni society and the structure of architectural forms that the Zuni people built to facilitate their activities. Ferguson shows how the structure of open space within Zuni settlements was linked to defense. As long as the Zunis were subject to attack by Spaniards or Navajos, they built settlements that were difficult for outsiders to get into or move around in. As the need for defense waned, settlements became more open and accessible. He also shows how the internal spaces of traditional Zuni houses are oriented around the activities of the women--matriarchs of their families and clans. Federal housing projects tended to spatially isolate the activities of women from interaction with the rest of the household, thus instituting unexpected social change.

Historic Zuni Architecture and Society utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, analyzing archaeological data using method, theory, and techniques from the fields of architecture, planning, and ethnology. Archaeologists will find in the book an innovative application of space syntax to archaeological problems, and cultural anthropologists and others interested in the history of the Zuni Indians will value its observations about changes that are currently taking place in Zuni social organization.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The historic architecture and settlements of the Zuni Indian Tribe in western New Mexico provide an unusual opportunity to investigate social change. In this monograph, the development of historic Zuni society is analyzed by delineating systematic links between the structure of Zuni society and the structure of architectural forms that the Zuni people built to facilitate their activities. Ferguson shows how the structure of open space within Zuni settlements was linked to defense. As long as the Zunis were subject to attack by Spaniards or Navajos, they built settlements that were difficult for outsiders to get into or move around in. As the need for defense waned, settlements became more open and accessible. He also shows how the internal spaces of traditional Zuni houses are oriented around the activities of the women--matriarchs of their families and clans. Federal housing projects tended to spatially isolate the activities of women from interaction with the rest of the household, thus instituting unexpected social change.

Historic Zuni Architecture and Society utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, analyzing archaeological data using method, theory, and techniques from the fields of architecture, planning, and ethnology. Archaeologists will find in the book an innovative application of space syntax to archaeological problems, and cultural anthropologists and others interested in the history of the Zuni Indians will value its observations about changes that are currently taking place in Zuni social organization.

More books from University of Arizona Press

Cover of the book Hopi Oral Tradition and the Archaeology of Identity by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Discovering Paquimé by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book The Prehistoric Pueblo World, A.D. 1150-1350 by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Savage Kin by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Native Apparitions by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Immigration and the Law by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Pushing Our Limits by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Eating the Landscape by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Going Back to Bisbee by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Zuni Origins by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Yaqui Homeland and Homeplace by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book In the Smaller Scope of Conscience by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Ponderosa by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book The Last Tortilla by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Latinx Superheroes in Mainstream Comics by T. J. Ferguson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy