ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how agents shape the flow of material objects from and through cultural systems to the archaeological record. The dynamic relationship between structure and the actual practice of agents leads to a state of continuous feedback. Consequently, actual practices, though governed by 'cultural rules', do not always result in exact reproductions of previous or traditional practices. The prehistoric abandonment of kivas was more common and reflected the mobility of Pueblo peoples. Presumably, leaders guided the abandonment of kivas as well as their use and construction. Understanding depositional histories is crucial to revealing past activities, ritual and otherwise, this issue is further explored through a discussion of Maya house and temple architecture. Social alchemy in the prehistoric pueblos of the Southwest contributed to the removal of ritual activities from the household sphere into religious sodalities under the control of ritual specialists.
