New Mexico: Kuana

This is an ancient site that was settled by the ancestors of the Santa Ana and the Sandia Pueblos. It was inhabited between 1300 and 1590. The pueblo was very Anastasi like with 1,200 rooms surrounding a courtyard. About 250 people lived here. They were the center of the valley's trade and agricultural community.

Unlike nearly every other pueblo site, the dwellings here were made of mud balls composed of ash, water, and mud. They had multi-tier structures and several kivass. The finest kiva artwork in the world is preserved at the Coronado State Monument which features the Kuana Pueblo.

The Kuana Indians raised corn, beans, and squash using very primitive tools and some irrigation. The area is now quite arid, but 500 years ago it was lush with rainfall.

The Kuaua raised domesticated turkeys and dogs. They also had access to plentiful nuts and berries. They did some hunting, but it was not a primary source of protein for them.