Coyote Village•Mesa Verde

00:00     Title
00:15     Far View Great House  
05:45     Coyote Village
11:00     Megalithic House    
12:30     Far View Reservoir   
14:50     Fin      

The Far View sites are a good place to trace the origins of the ancient cultures that first settled in this area. Far View was where it all began and evidence of more than 80 individual villages have been discovered during excavations. One of the very oldest pueblos in Far View is the Megalithic House, which actually was built upon rubbish piles from the early age of the basket weaver people. Coyote Village is another distinct village in Far View and judging by the advanced architectural designs, this pueblo complex was likely constructed at a much later date. 

Agricultural design is what the Far View sites have in common, yet astronomical alignments and ceremonial structures are also incorporated into the framework of these pueblo complexes. The many kiva designs to be found in Far View are a fascinating study of their own and the ones located in Coyote Village certainly are unique. The original timbers are still seated in wall alcoves in one of the round kivas and the purpose they served is definitely something to ponder over. The pole racks on the walls may have been used for drying food, preparing artisan weavings or something completely different altogether. The only way to find out for sure is to do some research, take a guided tour or simply ask a native, since the kiva is still integral to indigenous cultures in modern times.

A key-hole shape kiva is also located in Coyote Village. This style incorporates an earthen furnace which definitely radiated heat into the round room on icy cold nights at this high elevation. Some of the rectangular rooms have unique features too, like a row of square stone slab box containers built into the middle of the floor. There are also a few stone block rubble piles in this area that have not been excavated, which still remain a mystery. Coyote Village certainly is an intriguing place to spend some quality time, so be sure to log this Mesa Verde site on the books!