The Pueblo of Kuau was excavated by archaeologists in the 1930's. The kiva was reconstructed on the original foundations of a kiva found there during the excavations. Entrance to the kiva is by a ladder through a hatchway in the roof. The ladder reaches the floor in front of a fire pit, behind which the altar is located. In addition to its ceremonial function, the altar served to deflect air entering the kiva by means of the ventilating shaft in the vicinity of the fire pit.