The sounds of New Mexico’s pueblos

“We’re still very tied to our culture in the pueblos of New Mexico: our traditional songs, our ceremonies, our dances. And I was at the centre of that when growing up on the Cochití Pueblo (one of 19 self-governingtribal towns in New Mexico).

Traditional music in the pueblos is kind of a sacred space. It’s mostly based around seasonal solstices and has ties to the Catholic church in some cases.there are lots of community vocals and there is always some sort of dance correlating to those songs. We ask for blessings and retell our histories. In many songs you’ll find references to places that have been sacred to us since time immemorial. In Cochiti, for example, we started the year off with our buffalo dances.

Some ceremonies are just fortribal members; others are open to the public.you can check the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center website (indianpueblo.org) to find out about events. It’s about interacting with the community, having conversations and just enjoying the experience. Leave your camera in the car.

I’m now based in Albuquerque, and through Native Guitars Tour (nativeguitarstour.com) my mission is to support contemporary Native musicians.we have regular events across the country, including in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Our concerts include displays by Native fashion designers and art vendors from across Indian Country.”

Musician Jir Anderson runs Native Guitars Tour, a collective that nurtures Indigenous American musicians. His own sound is rooted in rock and blues.