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 Mission of Sorrows by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Under Desert Skies by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Gateways to the Southwest by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Brazil's Long Revolution by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Landscapes of Social Transformation in the Salinas Province and the Eastern Pueblo World by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book American Indians and National Forests by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Telling and Being Told by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Before Kukulkán by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Field Man by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Exploring Mars by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Other Country by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Breaking Into the Current by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Just Between Us by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book The Last Tortilla by T. J. Ferguson
Cover of the book Hecho a Mano 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