Shabik'eshchee Village facts for kids
Shabik'eshchee Village is an ancient archaeological site. It is found on top of Chacra Mesa in New Mexico. This settlement covers about 20 acres. It was once home to people from the Basketmaker III period. They lived there around 500 to 700 AD.
Frank Roberts discovered the site in 1926. Shabik'eshchee Village is one of the oldest settlements in Chaco Canyon. It had 100 pit-houses and a large community kiva. The village is about 9 miles east of Pueblo Bonito.
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What is Shabik'eshchee Village?
Shabik'eshchee Village is an important place. It helps us learn about ancient people. Archaeologists study the ruins to understand their lives. The site shows how early communities were organized.
Who Lived There?
The people who lived at Shabik'eshchee Village were called Basketmaker III. They were part of the Ancestral Puebloans. This group lived in the Southwestern United States. They were known for their skilled basket weaving. They also started farming more.
What Was Life Like?
Life at Shabik'eshchee Village was focused on community. People lived in many pit-houses. They shared a large central building. This building was important for their daily lives and traditions.
Pit-Houses: Ancient Homes
Pit-houses were the main homes at Shabik'eshchee Village. These were houses built partly underground. They had walls made of wood and mud. A roof covered the top. Living underground helped keep the homes cool in summer. It also kept them warm in winter.
The Great Kiva: A Community Hub
The village had a special building called a great kiva. A kiva is a round, underground room. It was used for ceremonies and community gatherings. The great kiva at Shabik'eshchee was very large. It showed how important community was to these people.
Discovering the Past
Frank Roberts was an archaeologist. He found Shabik'eshchee Village in 1926. His discovery helped us learn a lot. It showed how early people lived in Chaco Canyon. The site is now part of Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Where is Shabik'eshchee Village?
Shabik'eshchee Village is in New Mexico. It sits on Chacra Mesa. This area is famous for its ancient ruins. It is close to other well-known sites like Pueblo Bonito. The location was likely chosen for its resources.
