Peoples of the Mesa Verde Region

Estimating Pithouse Use-Life

How do archaeologists estimate the length of time people lived in pithouses?

Through replication and experimentation! On the basis of what they have learned from excavating Basketmaker III pithouses, researchers have built accurate replicas using the same materials used by the Basketmaker people. They have then observed how long these replicas stay in livable condition. Such experiments suggest that wood-and-earthen pithouses need ongoing maintenance and repair, but even with regular upkeep, they eventually deteriorate to the point that it makes more sense to build a new structure than to continue repairing the old one. That point is usually reached within 10 to 20 years.

A good example is the Pithouse Learning Center on Crow Canyon's campus. This modified replica of a Basketmaker III pithouse was originally built in 1985 using authentic materials, and it was regularly maintained over the years. But the elements gradually took their toll, and Crow Canyon finally replaced the pithouse with a new structure in 2006.

Other reasons for people leaving a structure or site might be related to cleanliness. Archaeologists think that accumulated garbage and human waste, which attract insects, rodents, and other pests, were probably factors that people considered when deciding to stay or move.