Native Americans have inhabited the territory of New Mexico since shortly after the time of Christ, long before Europeans reached the Americas.  When the Spanish first came to New Mexico, the Pueblo people accepted their new neighbors, however cultural and religious oppression led to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.

The Spanish lost control of New Mexico for over a decade and when they did return, the rules had changed.  The Revolt ultimately led to more tolerance of the local customs, languages, and religions of the Pueblo people.  It is for this reason that the Pueblo Cultures have survived in New Mexico.  Nineteen culturally distinct Native American Pueblos survive today.

PUEBLO ETIQUETTE

One can visit most of the different pueblos, but certain rules of etiquette apply.

ü Always observe any restrictions posted.
ü While attending dances, please watch and listen in silence. Each dance is a prayer and requires concentration.
ü Please do not talk to the dancers or walk on the dance plaza.
ü Do not applaud once the dance is over.
ü Do not bring alcohol or drugs to the pueblo.
ü Always ask permission before photographing the pueblo or its residents.
ü Respect the privacy of the pueblo residents, their homes, and the sanctity of their communities.

THE 19 PUEBLOS OF NEW MEXICO

Acoma Pueblo
505-552-6604
Located about an hour and half west of Albuquerque, and situated atop a mesa, this pueblo is often referred to as "Sky City".  Acoma means "People of the White Rock".  The pueblo has been inhabited since the 12^th century and families still live there without water, electricity and other modern conveniences.  The Franciscan Mission Church of San Estevan, built in 1629 is located here and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.  The thin walled Acoma pottery is one of the most highly regarded of the Pueblo Indian crafts.

Cochiti Pueblo
505-465-2244
A very westernized pueblo located 33 miles north of Albuquerque, the Cochiti Pueblo is particularly hospitable to visitors.  The clay Storyteller figures originate from this Pueblo.  The Cochiti are famous for their drums, made from hollowed out aspen logs.  These drums are coveted by both tourists and other Indians for their quality and tone.  The Pueblo also offers golf, a lake and fishing.

Isleta Pueblo
505-869-3111
Located 12 miles south of Albuquerque, Isleta means "Little Island".  There is currently a revival among artisans including pottery and jewelry making.  The pueblo is famous for their excellent bread.  Isleta is becoming a grand resort area with camping, fishing, golf, and a casino.

Jemez Pueblo
505-834-7235
Located northwest of Albuquerque, this Pueblo is only open to the public on feast days.  The Pueblo now chooses not to have feast days publicized due to over capacity.  Information can be obtained from the Walatowa Visitor Center.

Laguna Pueblo
505-552-6654
The Indian translation means "Lake People".  This is the most educated Pueblo as the members value thinking above all other human attributes.  Located 46 miles west of Albuquerque, the Pueblo contains one of the world's richest uranium fields and many residents work as miners.  The Pueblo produces fine pottery with a red, yellow and orange geometric design.  The painters and jewelers are known for incorporating contemporary design into their work, which sets it apart from other Pueblos.

Nambe Pueblo
505-455-2278
The Pueblo is located just north of Santa Fe in one of New Mexico's most beautiful areas.  Nambe means "People of the Round Earth".  Nambe artisans are making a comeback with their weaving and pottery work.  Pottery usually features black on black or white on red designs.

Picuris Pueblo
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Located north of Santa Fe, this is one of the smallest of the Pueblos; the Picuris population stands at less than 300 people.  The Picuris craftsmen produce an unusual pottery, different from most pueblo art, in that it is strictly utilitarian and without ornament.  It is made of micaceous clay and has a subtle glitter caused the small mica chips in the mixture.

Pojoaque Pueblo
505-455-2278
North of Santa Fe, this Pueblo had all but disappeared until 1934 when the Commissioner of Indians Affairs took steps to revive this ancient culture.  The Pueblo now has several business ventures including the Cities of Gold Casino and the Poeh Cultural Center which teaches students Native studio art as part of it's cultural regeneration program.

Sandia Pueblo
505-867-3317
Located just north of Albuquerque city limits and home to Sandia Casino, the Sandia Pueblo has had a turbulent past including very active involvement in the Pueblo Revolt and Navajo, Comanche and Apache raids.  The Pueblo has survived and is now expanding its interests by adding a hotel and golf course near the Sandia Casino, in addition to other business interests.  Make sure you check out the Bien Mur Indian Market Center for an excellent selection of Pueblo wares.

San Felipe Pueblo
505-867-3381
Located just 30 miles from Albuquerque, the San Felipe Pueblo discourages outsiders from visiting the Pueblo.  This culturally conservative society has resisted the influences of modern life maintaining the Pueblo's heritage.  The Pueblo is known for producing beautiful intricate beadwork and heishi of exceptional quality.  Heishi originally meant "shell" and soon came to refer to tiny shell beads, which were made by hand around 1920 in a long Pueblo tradition.  Today heishi may also be made from stone, jet and turquoise.  The Rio Grande runs through this Pueblo and visitors are also entertained by the Las Vegas Style Hollywood Casino.

San lldefonso Pueblo
505-455-2273
North of Santa Fe, the San lldefonso Pueblo is world-renowned for it's famous black on black pottery, the most coveted being those of Maria Martinez.  This culture has a strong sense of identity and tenaciously retains ancient ceremonies and rituals.

San Juan Pueblo
505-852-4400
A visit to this Pueblo, north of Santa Fe, affords visitors the opportunity to watch artisans at work making jewelry, pottery and other works.  The Pueblo's social system is divided into Winter People and Summer People.  Many dances and ceremonies are held throughout the year and include traditional clowns and other humorous elements.

Santa Ana Pueblo
505-867-3301
The original site of the Santa Ana Pueblo was destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and its location remains a mystery.  The Pueblo was rebuilt 8 miles northwest of Bernalillo.  The Pueblo also features the Santa Ana Star Casino, golf, the Santa Ana Commercial Center and Prairie Star, a five star restaurant.  Photography is strictly prohibited at the Santa Ana Pueblo.

Santa Clara Pueblo
505-753-7330
North of Santa Fe, the Santa Clara Pueblo offers tours of the pre-historic cliff dwellings and also features fishing and camping in a nearby canyon.  Also referred to as "Valley of the Wild Roses" the area is one of incomparable beauty.  The Pueblo has a very strong sense of culture and ancient tradition.

Santo Domingo Pueblo
505-465-2214
North of Albuquerque, the Santo Domingo Pueblo is known to be the most conservative of the Pueblos in terms of culture and customs.  The pottery of the Pueblo is strictly traditional.  They are known for their jewelry, particularly silver and turquoise, and fine heishi work.  The Rio Grande runs through this Pueblo.  Although they discourage visitors, there is a trading post for shopping.

Taos Pueblo
505-758-9593
505-758-1028
You may have seen photographs of a famous building called "Taos Pueblo".  This is the largest surviving multistoried Pueblo structure in the United States.  It is a National Historic Landmark and has been admitted to the United Nations "World Heritage List".  Life on the Taos Pueblo is mostly unchanged from earlier times.  Taos artisans are especially known for their moccasins, drums, sculpture, painting and jewelry.  Many of their items reflect contemporary influences in their traditional art forms.  Please note that no cameras or recording equipment are allowed during ceremonial dances.

Tesuque Pueblo
505-983-2667
505-455-2467
Located just north of Santa Fe, this small Pueblo is very traditional.  The Pueblo was very integral to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.  They are known for their brightly colored pottery and beautifully modeled collectable figurines.  The Tesuque Pueblo is also renowned for the costumes and authenticity of the execution of dances and rituals.  The most popular of these dances, open to the public, are Harvest Dance in November, and the Deer and Buffalo Dances in December.

Zia Pueblo
505-867-3304
Best known for their contribution to the flag of New Mexico, the Zia sun symbol has become synonymous with New Mexico.  You may have trouble finding this Pueblo as it blends in with the landscape atop a rocky knoll north of Albuquerque.  Innovation is avoided in the Zia Pueblo and they are recognized for their pottery and watercolors.

Zuni Pueblo
505-782-4481
Located west of Albuquerque, the Zuni Pueblo is known for its love of color.  This can be seen in the intricate mosaic and inlay patterns of Zuni jewelry, fine beadwork and their legendary Kachina dances.  The Shalako Kachina dance is held in December and attracts visitors from around the globe.  The Zuni people are also known for their fetishes - small hand carved stone incarnations of animals and other natural spirits.  The owner uses a Zuni fetish to draw upon the animal's special powers.