Bis sa'ani facts for kids
Bis sa'ani is an ancient community built by the Ancestral Puebloans. Its name means "clay in place" in the Navajo language. This important archaeological site is found in Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, United States. It includes both large "great houses" and smaller "small houses."
Bis sa'ani is located about 8 miles from Pueblo Bonito, another famous ancient site. Even though it's a bit outside the main canyon, experts consider it part of the core group of Chaco ruins. The community was active during the early 11th century.
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What is Bis sa'ani?
Bis sa'ani is an archaeological site where people lived long ago. It shows how the Ancestral Puebloans built their homes and communities. The site has 35 rooms in total. These rooms are part of different types of buildings.
Great Houses and Small Houses
The Ancestral Puebloans built two main kinds of homes. A "great house" was a very large, planned building. It had many rooms and often several stories. These buildings were important centers for the community. "Small houses" were simpler and had fewer rooms. They were likely homes for individual families. Bis sa'ani has both types of buildings.
What is a Kiva?
A kiva is a special room used by the Ancestral Puebloans. These rooms were often round and built underground. They were used for ceremonies and community gatherings. While Bis sa'ani has small house sites, it does not have a large "great kiva." Great kivas were very big and important ceremonial places for many communities.
Where is Bis sa'ani Located?
Bis sa'ani is found in Chaco Canyon, a famous historical park. Chaco Canyon is in the state of New Mexico. The site is near a stream called Escavada Wash. This area was a very important center for the Ancestral Puebloan people. Many other ancient ruins are also found nearby.
Part of the Chaco Culture
The Chaco Culture was a major civilization in the Southwest. It existed from about 850 to 1250 CE. Chaco Canyon was the heart of this culture. Bis sa'ani is considered a key part of this central Chaco area. It shows how communities were connected across the region.
When Was Bis sa'ani Used?
People lived at Bis sa'ani during the early 11th century. This means it was used around the years 1000 to 1100 CE. This time period was very important for the Chaco Culture. Many large great houses were built during these years. Studying sites like Bis sa'ani helps us understand what life was like for these ancient people.
Images for kids
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Artist's reconstruction of Bis sa'ani, c. 1150 CE. Casa Hormiga, Casa Quemada, and South House kiva (l. to r.); vertical height of retaining walls approximately 26 feet (7.9 m)
