Photo Essay: Restoration at Kiva F, Gran Quivira, New Mexico

Stabilization is a cyclic process that typically recurs every 5-7 years, but often it is much longer. It involves repointing the mortar joints to stabilize the stone, protecting the integrity and original fabric of the structure. At Gran Quivira, the pueblo and kiva structures originally consisted of a very high-ash mortar that frequently contain potsherds and animal bone––obviously made from midden material with some clay mixed in, although for the most part it is very loose and friable. The historic period mortar (in the Spanish churches and convento) is markedly different: primarily consisting of a high clay-lime soil known locally as 'caliche'.