Kiva Ladders

by
Terry Bailey

Kiva ladders, uniquely Southwestern, relate back to the Hopi and Anasazi Indians.

Kiva ladders are uniquely Southwestern and relate back to the Hopi and Anasazi Indians. The Hopi and Ansazi are creditited with building the elaborate cliff dwellings such as those at Mesa Verde and prominent throughout the four corners region. Kiva ladders were used as a means of ingress and egress from the kivas. They also used Kiva Ladders to navigate the various levels of their pueblo.

Today kiva ladders are commonly used as a decorative item, as shown at left with the dried wild flowers and chili ristra draped from the top rung. Some collectors may utilize a kiva ladder as a display for brightly colored Afghans, Comforters or patch work Quilts. Others simply lean it against a wall either indoors or out symbolic of the original use in pueblos.

Whether plain or adorned, kiva ladders are a great way to bring the flavor of the Southwest into your home. Kiva Ladders can be home made or purchased. There are several fine internet purveyors who sell kiva ladders, and one of the most affordable is Grand River Supply near Albuquerque New Mexico.