Tovakwa

 

This archaeological site is not actively protected, so the access route is provided on a password-protected page.

 

Tovakwa dates to A.D. 1350–1650 (based Jemez Black-on-white and Glaze D–F pottery) and had “as many as” 1850 rooms organized around at least five plazas. At least 15 kivas (including the large one shown below) are present. Tovakwa is next to the rim of a canyon, which makes for a pleasant lunch spot.

 

The described access route takes you to the ventana (natural rock window) shown below. In the interior of the mesa top, west of Tovakwa, is a rock outcrop with petroglyphs. Given their locations and the petroglyphs placed there, the ventana and mesa interior rock outcrop may have been directional shrines for the village.

 

A natural rock window on Stable Mesa. The outcrop features petroglyphs and, unfortunately, modern graffiti.
A natural rock window on Stable Mesa. The outcrop features petroglyphs and, unfortunately, modern graffiti.
A large kiva at Tovakwa
A large kiva at Tovakwa
A niche in the kiva wall
A niche in the kiva wall
A rock outcrop with multiple petroglyphs. Three spotted birds are present on the sunlit rock face to the west, and a shield can be seen at the center of the photo.
A rock outcrop with multiple petroglyphs. Three spotted birds are present on the sunlit rock face to the west, and a shield can be seen at the center of the photo.