Native American  Pueblos

Download PDF

Discover New Mexico's culture among ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs that serve as a glimpse into the lifestyles and beliefs of the area's earliest civilizations. The state is home to 22 Indian tribes, comprised of 19 Pueblos, two Apache tribes (the Jicarilla Apache and the Mescalero Apache) and part of the Navajo Nation, which spreads through New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. The Pueblos are Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jémez, Laguna, Nambé, Okhay Owingea, Picurís, Pojoaque, Sandia, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Taos, Tesuque, Zia and Zuni. Most are within an hour’s drive of Albuquerque.

Fall signals the celebration of the harvest season with special ceremonies, dancers in brilliant costumes and sacred rituals. Drums beat with an insistent cadence. The dancer’s costumes help tell the story of the dance while feathers, jewelry and beads communicate other aspects of the dance. Each dance tells a unique story and serves a distinct purpose. The natives converse in tongues both strange and fascinating to the outsider. The air is filled with the fragrance of piñon smoke. Red chile ristras (strings) decorate many homes, with the chiles destined to add their distinct flavor to stews and sauces throughout the winter. The sights, sounds and smells are a feast for the senses. The works of many talented Pueblo Indian artists and craftsmen are frequently on display and for sale: hand-made jewelry, pottery, distinctive crafts and even traditional Indian food. Bread baked in the traditional horno (outdoor oven) is delicious, as is fry bread, best consumed straight from the pan - hot and honey-drizzled.

Pueblo life is a window to another world and time. Not relegated to history books or museums, this is a living culture carrying on the centuries-old traditions of their ancestors. Visitors admitted into pueblos to view the dances are expected to respect the customs and traditions. Some pueblos have strict rules governing photography, sketching and tape recording. Visitors must abide by the laws and rules of the pueblo they visit. Most pueblos have a tribal office that can answer any questions.