Visiting
a Pueblo is a special experience. People go about their daily
work in the modern world, but tradition is woven deeply through
every aspect of life. It is important to go with respect for
customs and regulations that are very different from you own.
Each Pueblo has a sovereign government, ask at the main office
for rules. Pueblos sometimes close for private ceremonies.
|
DANCES:
Dances are deeply sacred to tribal members. Please behave as
you would in a church. Religious beliefs are private, so avoid
asking questions about the meaning or timing of a dance. |
FEAST
DAYS:
Pueblo
people gladly share on Feast Days; however, do not enter a home
uninvited. It is courteous to accept an invitation to eat, but
don't linger, as your host will serve many friends during the
day. The only appropriate payment is your sincere gratitude. |
KIVAS:
(a Pueblo Indian ceremonial structure that is usually round
and partly under ground). Ceremonial kivas are sacred and should
not be entered or leaned or climbed on. This also applies to
cemeteries. |
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Always check at the Pueblo office for possible restrictions
on photography.
|
Please
be alert and do not wander onto private property or areas
closed to the public.
Alcohol, weapons, drugs and pets are not allowed on Pueblo
land.
|
EIGHT
NORTHERN INDIAN PUEBLOS
NAMBE
CORN DANCE
Photo Courtesy of
New Mexico Magazine
|
Nambé
Pueblo
Nambe
in Tewa (the language spoken by the people of Nambe Pueblo), means
"People of The Round Earth". Located 18 miles North
of Santa Fe , Nambé Pueblo sits at the base of the majestic
Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nambé was established around
the 1300s and served as the primary cultural and religious center
for the Pueblo people. It was nearly destroyed when the Spanish
conquerors arrived in the New Mexico territory and learned of
its importance. Today, there are approximately 1,764 people living
at the pueblo. It is a popular stop for visitors seeking beauty
and recreation in the stunning foothills of the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains. Nambé Falls Recreation Area, located above the
pueblo, offers swimming, lake fishing, a stunning double-drop
waterfall and camping for a modest fee
(505)
455-2304. The July 4th Nambé Falls Ceremonial,
which includes dances and an arts and crafts fair, is a popular
festivity for both pueblo dwellers and tourists.
June 6, Kings Day Celebration,
March 31, Easter Bow & Arrow
Dance. July 4, Nambe Falls Ceremonial.
Oct. 4, the pueblo honors San
Francisco de Asís, also the patron saint of Santa Fe.
Nambé
Pueblo, Rt. 1 Box 117-BB, Santa Fe, NM 87506, (505) 455-2036
|
Picuris
Pueblo
Named Pikuria - those who paint - by Spanish colonizer Juan de
Oñate, Picurís is located 24 miles Southeast of
Taos in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Picurís, once the
largest, is now one of the smallest Tiwa Pueblos, with some 1,801
inhabitants. Like Taos, it was influenced by Plains Indian culture,
particularly the Apaches. It
took about eight years for tribal members to restore by hand the
200-year-old adobe church, San Lorenzo de Picurís, located
in the center of the Pueblo. The Pueblo's San Lorenzo Feast Day
on Aug. 10 includes Indian dances, pole climbing and a morning
foot race The High Country Tri-Cultural Arts & Crafts Fair
is usually held on the first weekend in July, but call to verify
(505) 587-2519. Outdoor
enthusiasts can spend the day trout fishing at the Pu-na Lake;
call the Picurís Pueblo Fish & Game and Parks &
Wildlife, (505) 587-1601. The Picurís
Pueblo Museum displays and sells beadwork, weaving and pottery
crafted by local artists. Picurís is the majority owner
of the Hotel Santa Fe located in the capitol city's historic downtown
area. Jan 6, Kings Day Celebration.
Jan. 25, St. Paul's Feast Day. Feb.
2, Feast Day. First weekend in June,
Tri-Cultural Arts and Crafts Fair. June
13, Feast Day. Aug. 10, San
Lorenzo Feast Day.
Picurís
Pueblo, P.O. Box 127, Peñasco, NM 87553, (505) 587-2519
AN INTERESTING WEBSITE TO VISIT:
laplaza.org/penasco/picuris
|
PICURIS
PUEBLO
Photo
Courtesy of New Mexico Magazine
|
POJOAQUE
CLOUD DANCE
Photo
Courtesy of New Mexico Magazine
|
Pojoaque
Pueblo
Pojoaque Pueblo,
located
about 15 miles North of Santa Fe,
was almost destroyed by war and disease but in the 1930s survivors
returned and fenced off their lands, evicting squatters. Approximately
2,712 people live on pueblo lands today.
The
pueblo's revived feast day is Dec. 12, in honor of Our Lady of
Guadalupe. There also are dances on Jan. 6. The Poeh Cultural
Center features Pueblo art and exhibits, hosts traditional Indian
dances on weekends and preserves the traditional arts of the Tewa-speaking
Pueblos. It also houses an information center and the largest
Indian arts and crafts shop in northern New Mexico,
(505) 455-5044.
The pueblo just opened the new Towa Golf Resort for visitors and
locals alike, (505) 455-3466,
WEBSITE:
hiltonbuffalothunder.com.
In addition to its numerous tribal enterprises, the pueblo recently
completed a Wellness Center that houses a gym, library, CHR Program
and senior citizens center. The Pojoaque Pueblo Tourist Center,
(505) 455-3460, displays and sells
locally made pottery, rugs, sculpture, kachinas, sand paintings
and other souvenirs.
Jan
6,
All Kings Day. Dec. 12,
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day.
Tribal
enterprises include the Cities of Gold Casino,
(505)
455-3313,
WEBSITE:
citiesofgold.com
features restaurants, shopping, a sports bar and a hotel
(505)
455-0515 or (877) 455-0515.
|
San
Ildefonso Pueblo
Located 23 miles North of Santa
Fe the contemporary San Ildefonso Pueblo is a flourishing art
community. With an average of 20,000 visitors yearly, this is
one of the most visited Northern Pueblos, with a population of
approximately 1,524.
Since
the early 1900s, this Tewa village has been the center of the
Pueblo arts revival. Artisans' homes throughout the Pueblo are
open to the public for shopping. San Ildefonso is best known as
the birthplace and home of the late María Martínez,
who along with her husband, Julian, developed the world-renowned
black-on-black pottery with black matte designs. The ancestors
of the San Ildefonso people abandoned their original villages
of Mesa Verde and Bandelier due to drastic changes in the environment.
It was on top of nearby Black Mesa that San Ildefonso, along with
other Pueblo people from the area, successfully held off Spanish
soldiers, who laid siege on the natural stronghold during their
reconquest of New Mexico in 1694. San Ildefonso's fishing pond
and picnic areas are along the Río Grande, with permits
available on-site, (505) 455-3549 or (505) 455-2273.
The pueblo's Jan. 23 feast day starts with a dawn Animal Dance.
Visit the María Poveka Martínez Museum or the San
Ildefonso Pueblo Museum, (505) 455-3549.
The visitor center, (505) 455-3549,
sells maps and permits for noncommercial photography, sketching
and recording, (permitted except during ceremonials).
Jan
23,
San Ildefonso Feast Day.
Mar. 27,
Various
Dances.
Mar.
31,
Easter
Bow & Arrow Dance.
Aug. - Sept.,
Corn Dances.
Sept.
8,
Feast Day.
Dec.
25, Various
Dances.
San
Ildefonso Pueblo, Rt. 5 Box 315-A, Santa Fe, NM 87506, (505) 455-2273
|
SAN
ILDEFONSO FEAST DAY
Photo
Courtesy of New Mexico Magazine
Black
on Black Pottery
|
SAN
JUAN PUEBLO MATACHINES
Photos
Courtesy of
New Mexico Magazine
|
San
Juan Pueblo
Juan de Oñate established
the first Spanish capital city in New Mexico near San Juan Pueblo
in 1598. Traditionally, San Juan (O'ke in Tewa) was the center
of an Indian meeting ground, its people so powerful that only
an O'ke native could declare war for the Pueblo Indians. Although
called a Taoseño, Pueblo Revolt leader Popé actually
was a San Juan native.
San
Juan lies 25 miles North of Santa Fe and five miles North of Española.
It is one of the largest Tewa-speaking pueblos with a population
of 6,748 according to the Census in 2000. Today, the Pueblo is
the headquarters of the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council
and home to the Oke-Oweenge Crafts Cooperative,
(505)
852-2372, which exhibits the art of the Eight Northern
Pueblos. The main art focus of this Tewa village is redware pottery,
weaving and painting. Fishing by permit is available year-round
at San Juan Lakes, where many cash fishing tournaments are held,
(505) 753-5067. There is a fee for
taking photos or videos or for sketching.
Feb.,
Deer Dance. Mar. 31,
Easter Bow & Aarow Dance.
June
24, Feast Day.
July
16-17, Eight
Northern Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show.
Enjoy
a buffet and a round of roulette at the OhKay Casino
WEBSITE:
https://ohkay.com,
(800) 747-1668. Stay at its hotel,
(877) 829-2865, (505) 747-1668,
or RV park, (505) 753-5067.
San
Juan Pueblo, PO Box 1099, San Juan Pueblo, NM 87566, (505) 852-4400 |
Santa
Clara Pueblo
The Tewa-speaking pueblo of
Santa Clara was established around 1550 when a drought forced
their ancestors to move into the fertile Río Grande Valley.
Contemporary Santa Clarans believe their ancestors first lived
in the nearby Puyé Cliff Dwellings, including Top House,
a ruined mesa top village built along a stunning cliff face in
Santa Clara Canyon. Today, approximately 10,658 people are living
on Santa Clara Pueblo lands.
The
Pueblo's major attraction is Santa Clara Canyon, a deep, tree-lined
retreat with several mountain-ringed fishing lakes, developed
campsites and picnicking (all by permit). Puyé and the
canyon usually are open to the public seasonally, but a recent
fire in the Jémez Mountains forced the Pueblo to work on
reclaiming the land. Call to make sure the area is open before
planning a visit, (505) 753-7326.
Santa Clara Pueblo is also noted for its pottery, such as redware,
carved blackware, melon bowls, polychrome and other artistic mediums.
The pueblo is located about a mile South of Española.
Aug.
12, Feast Day.
Santa Clara Pueblo, PO Box 580, Española,
NM 87532, (505) 753-7326
|
SANTA
CLARA CEREMONIAL DRESS
Photos
Courtesy of New Mexico Magazine
|
TAOS
PUEBLO
|
TAOS
PUEBLO MISSION
|
Photos
Courtesy of
New Mexico Magazine
|
Taos
Pueblo
The
Northernmost, and undoubtedly one of the most popular, of all
the Pueblos, Taos sits at the base of the highest mountains
in New Mexico. Its adobe multistoried homes have captivated
painters and photographers since the 1920s and helped inspire
the Pueblo Revival style of architecture in contemporary New
Mexico. Taos, which was designated a World Heritage Site and
a National Historic Site in 1992, is credited with spearheading
the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 by successfully uniting all of the
traditionally rivalrous Pueblo people against the Spanish. Choosing
to remain quite traditional, Tiwa-speaking members of the old
Pueblo do not use electricity or indoor plumbing. Approximately
4,484 people live at the Pueblo, and its members value their
privacy and insist that visitors do the same (visitors can enjoy
native foods and browse through shops scattered around the Taos
Plaza). The Taos people are very skilled in leather work, evident
in the drums and moccasins they make. Taos Pueblo is open daily
but closes for ceremonial purposes. San Gerónimo Feast
Day on Sept. 30 is the largest event of the year. However, cameras
and recording devices are not allowed at any religious ceremonies
open to the public. Respect the off-limits signs. Also, don't
climb the ladders to the rooftops. The pueblo also operates
Taos Mountain Casino with a gift shop and video arcade,
(505)
737-0777, (888) 946-8267
WEBSITE:
taosmountaincasino.com.
The pueblo charges admission, parking and camera fees. Any sketching,
painting or commercial photography requires advance written
approval. The Pueblo is located three miles North of the town
of Taos and is open daily to visitors most of the year. It closes
periodically for special ceremonials, so please call ahead.
Jan.
1 ,
Feast
Day. Jan.
6 ,
Kings
Day Celebration.
May
3, Santa
Cruz Feast Day. June
13,
San Antonio
Feast Day. June
24, San Juan Feast Day.
July
8-10,
Taos
Puwblo Powwow. Sept.
30,
San Geronimo
Feast Day.
Dec.
24, Christmas
Eve at Taos Pueblo.
Dec.
25, Deer
or Matachines Dance.
Taos
Pueblo, PO Box 1846, Taos Pueblo, NM 87571, (505) 758-1028
WEBSITE:
taospueblo.com
|
Tesuque
Pueblo
The name
Tesuque is a Spanish variation of the Tewa name, Te Tesugeh
Oweengeh, meaning the "Village of the Narrow Place of the
Cottonwood Trees." The pueblo is one of the state's smallest
pueblos with a population of about 806, but its members are
proud of their rich heritage. Located
in the soft red-brown foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
10 miles North of Santa Fe, Tesuque Pueblo has an air of centuries-old
tranquility. Situated around a large central plaza, evidence
indicates the pueblo has stood on this site since 1200 A.D.
and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The entrance to the Pueblo lies just South of Camel Rock, a
fascinating natural sandstone formation that wind and rain have
eroded into the shape of a camel. The Tesuque people are one
of the most traditional of all New Mexico Pueblos in observing
ceremonies and preserving culture. The annual Feast Day of San
Diego on Nov. 12, the Christmas Day Celebration, the Three Kings
Day festivities in January and the Corn Dance on the first weekend
in June are all open to the public. Photography is not allowed.
Today the people of Tesuque speak their native Tewa, English
and a few converse in Spanish. The reservation encompasses more
than 17,000 acres, including Aspen Ranch and the Vigil Land
Grant high in the Santa Fe National Forest. Just across the
highway from Camel Rock, Tesuque Pueblo operates Camel Rock
Casino,
WEBSITE:
camelrockcasino.com
(505) 984-8414,
(800)
462-2635, which also has an arts and crafts gift
store. The tribe also operates the Tesuque Pueblo Flea Market
on Opera Hill, just off U.S. 84/285 north of Santa Fe, with
more 1,200 booths every weekend from February to December, and
Camel Rock Suites, 3007 S. St. Francis Dr. in Santa Fe,
(877)
or (505) 989-3600. The pueblo is closed to the public
on certain days of the year so call ahead before visiting.
Jan.
6, Kings
Day. June,
Corn Dance. Nov.
12, Feast
Day of San Diego.
Tesuque Pueblo, Rt.
5 Box 360-T, Santa Fe, NM 87506, (505) 983-2667/988-3620, (800)
483-1040
|
TESUQUE
PUEBLO
CAMEL
ROCK
Photos
Courtesy of
New Mexico Magazine
|
|