The Kiva Fireplace... Steppin' Up & Out, Southwest Style! The Kiva fireplace comes from the American southwestern desert region. The name, itself, is actually derived from the traditional underground meeting places used for religious rituals and spiritual ceremonies by the Pueblo Indians of the southwest. Pueblo architecture provided the inspi- ration for this unique fireplace style. kiva fireplace kiva fireplace Historically, the Kiva fireplace was constructed of ado