The term “Pueblo,” Spanish for “village,” was first used by Spanish explorers in the 16th century to describe both the unique architectural style of permanent dwellings and the Indigenous communities inhabiting them along the middle Rio Grande Valley. Upon their arrival in 1540, the Spanish encountered a landscape dotted with over 100 pueblos, stretching from Taos Pueblo in the north to Isleta Pueblo in the south. Today, New Mexico is home to 19 distinct Pueblos, each maintaining its own sovereign government while sharing deep roots in a common prehistory and vibrant cultural heritage.
A Journey Through Pueblo History
The Pueblo people of today are direct descendants of the Ancestral Puebloans, a civilization that flourished in the Four Corners region of the American Southwest. These communities boast a continuous history extending back to pre-Columbian times, with many Pueblos still residing on the ancestral lands and within the villages established by their forebears. The term “Anasazi,” a Navajo word meaning “ancient enemies,” is considered offensive by contemporary Pueblo people. “Ancestral Puebloans” is the preferred and more respectful term when referring to their ancestors.
Archaeological studies indicate the Pueblo Period began over six centuries ago as nomadic hunter-gatherer societies gradually transitioned to settled agricultural lifestyles. By approximately 1300 AD, the fertile river valleys of New Mexico were supporting substantial Pueblo populations, their growing communities sustained by sophisticated agricultural practices.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in New Mexico in 1540 marked a significant turning point. They discovered a thriving Pueblo culture, rich in tradition and interconnected through extensive trade networks and kinship ties. However, the ensuing years brought conflict between the Spanish colonists and the Pueblo people. The culmination of this tension was the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, a successful uprising that forced the Spanish to retreat from New Mexico until their reconquest in 1692. Since the Spanish return and subsequent colonization, Pueblo and Spanish cultures have intertwined, creating a unique cultural blend evident in the region’s spirituality and traditions.
Understanding Pueblo Etiquette: Respectful Visitation
Visiting the pueblos of New Mexico offers a unique opportunity to experience living cultures and traditions that have thrived in this region for over 600 years. To ensure a respectful and enriching visit, it’s crucial to be mindful of Pueblo customs and regulations.
General Guidelines: Each pueblo operates as a sovereign nation with its own government, laws, and regulations. Visitors are expected to respect and adhere to the specific rules of each pueblo. While most pueblos welcome visitors during daylight hours, individual homes are private residences and should not be entered without a specific invitation. Kivas (ceremonial structures) and graveyards are strictly off-limits to non-Pueblo individuals. Visitors should refrain from climbing on walls or other structures, as many are centuries old and fragile. It’s important to stay within designated village areas and avoid wandering. Removing any artifacts, even seemingly insignificant items like pottery shards or feathers, is prohibited. Pets are not permitted, as village dogs, while generally docile towards people, can be aggressive towards unfamiliar animals. Driving within pueblos requires extreme caution; posted speed limits must be strictly obeyed due to the presence of elders, children, and animals. Parking is allowed only in designated areas. Alcohol, weapons, and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited within pueblo boundaries.
Ceremonial Observance: Feast days are significant occasions in Pueblo communities. Entering a Pueblo home on a feast day is permissible only with a personal invitation. Accepting food offered is considered courteous, but visitors should be mindful not to overstay their welcome at the dining table, as hosts will be serving numerous guests throughout the day. Expressing gratitude to the host and family is appropriate, but offering payment or tips is not. Pueblo dances are deeply religious ceremonies, not public performances. Visitors should not stand in front of elders or participants, obstruct views of the plaza, or interrupt the focus of non-dance participants with unnecessary questions or interactions. Approaching dancers as they enter, exit, or rest near kivas is inappropriate. Applauding after dances is not customary. Children should be kept under close supervision, and all visitors are expected to observe ceremonies with respect and quiet attentiveness.
Photography, Artwork, and Recording: Regulations regarding photography, videography, artwork, and audio recording vary from pueblo to pueblo. Official permits must be obtained upon entering a pueblo if these activities are allowed. Permits are generally for personal use only; commercial use requires specific permissions and fees. Even with a permit, photographing or sketching individuals requires explicit prior consent. If photography is permitted during a ceremony, it must be conducted discreetly and without disrupting the event. Never enter a dance area, block dancers’ paths, or obstruct other visitors’ views. Some pueblos prohibit photography of kivas, cemeteries, and church interiors entirely. Strict adherence to these regulations is essential; violations may result in confiscation of equipment, expulsion from the pueblo, fines, or even legal prosecution.
Remember, each pueblo is a sovereign nation governed by its tribal government. Failure to comply with guidelines can lead to expulsion, fines, legal action, and potentially the closure of the pueblo to all visitors. Respect and understanding are paramount when experiencing these unique cultural treasures.
Exploring Pueblo Locations in New Mexico
Many pueblos are conveniently located near the Albuquerque metropolitan area, making them accessible for day trips. North of Albuquerque, between the city and Santa Fe, you’ll find Sandia, San Felipe, Santo Domingo, and Cochiti Pueblos. To the northwest are Zia, Santa Ana, and Jemez Pueblos. West of Albuquerque lie Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni Pueblos. Isleta Pueblo is situated south of Albuquerque, along I-25. The remaining pueblos are located north of Santa Fe and are within a few hours’ drive of Petroglyph National Monument.
It is strongly recommended to contact each pueblo directly before planning a visit to confirm opening times and any specific regulations in place.
Here is a list of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico:
- Acoma Pueblo
- Cochiti Pueblo
- Isleta Pueblo
- Jemez Pueblo
- Laguna Pueblo
- Nambe Pueblo
- Picuris Pueblo
- Pojoaque Pueblo
- Sandia Pueblo
- San Felipe Pueblo
- San Ildefonso Pueblo
- San Juan Pueblo
- Santa Ana Pueblo
- Santa Clara Pueblo
- Santo Domingo Pueblo
- Taos Pueblo
- Tesuque Pueblo
- Zia Pueblo
- Zuni Pueblo
For more in-depth information, please visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center website at www.indianpueblo.org.
