Living history
Northern NM’s Native landscape
Spread across north-central New Mexico, the Eight Northern Pueblos offer a range of opportunities to see living history in a way unique to the state.
Here is a brief rundown of each pueblo, each with its own characteristics and charms:
Nambé Pueblo
Known as the “Mound of Earth in the Corner,” the pueblo (nambepueblo.org) dates to the 1300s and was viewed as a center of culture and religion, which remains to this day.
Easter dances are a popular draw and this year will feature the bow and arrow dance, among others, said a pueblo employee who declined to be named.
The Nambé Falls Recreation Area is named for the spectacular natural double falls that drop into a pristine pool along the river. Fishing, hiking and camping are available.
Ohkay Owingeh
The site of Juan de Oñate’s original capital city, the pueblo is known as the “Village of the Strong People.” San Juan Lakes is a popular fishing destination, and the Ohkay Hotel Casino is a destination gambling site.
Come July, the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council will begin a 14-week run of Saturday art and farmers markets with fresh, locally grown produce and a variety of local artisans’ wares.
The Ohkay Owingeh Feast Days with corn and buffalo dances take place June 24-25.
Picuris Pueblo
Known as “Those Who Paint,” by Oñate, the pueblo (picurispueblo.org) is famous for micaceous clay pottery.
Snuggled against the banks of the Rio Pueblo, the picturesque enclave is open to guided and self-guided tours, said employee Jamie Perez. Its adobe church was built in 1776.
In addition, the pueblo has a pond that is well-stocked with cutthroat and German brown trout, he said, and a bison herd is used as both a food source and for traditional spiritual enhancement.
Pojoaque Pueblo
Known as the “Water Drinking Place,” the pueblo is home to the Poeh Cultural Center and Museum (poehcenter.org), designed to maintain the culture, identity and language of Native peoples, particularly Tewa, said Tina Whitegeese, pueblo tourism and business manager.
A permanent exhibit traces the history and culture of the pueblo from ancient, cavedwelling times through today, she said.
A growing, participatory exhibit focuses on “Water Is Life,” a show that is evolving as people add to it, Whitegeese said.
“We’re hoping to get other communities to add their artwork,” she said. “It was created in response to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their access to water rights. Adults and a lot of children created artwork and what their interpretation of what ‘Water Is Life’ means.”
San Ildefonso Pueblo
It’s “Where the Water Cuts Through,” and the area was settled 500 to 800 years ago.
The pueblo (sanipueblo. org), which is a historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is recognized for its historical and cultural significance and its important role in the revival of Native ceramics.
The pueblo is characterized by its adobe buildings, ceremonial kivas, a central plaza, and a replica of the mission-period church. It is renowned for its traditional black-on-black pottery, with a highly polished finish and black matte design, as well as red and polychrome pottery.
There are also painters, jewelry makers, weavers, carvers, seamstresses, and moccasin makers.
Santa Clara Pueblo
The “Valley of the Wild Roses” is now home to a championship-level, 27-hole golf course that attracts duffers and aces from all over as part of its casino resort.
The pueblo also is home to the Puye Cliff Dwellings (puyecliffs.com) offering an interesting look at the area’s ancient history.
The area was occupied from about 900 A.D. to 1600 A.D. and features numerous cliff and cave dwellings and petroglyphs.
Taos Pueblo
The “Place of Red Willows,” the pueblo attracts visitors worldwide.
“We’re known for being a living community and an art community,” pueblo Tourism Director Ilona Spruce said of the pueblo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “People come from all over the world just to see our community.”
About 100,000 visitors annually take the 30- to 40-minute tour, she said.
Tesuque Pueblo
Aptly called the “Cottonwood Tree Place,” with the distinctive Camel Rock looming over the landscape, the pueblo is known for its artisans’ pottery, paintings and sculpture.
It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and local dancers celebrate summer the first Saturday in June with the corn dance and blessing of the fields.
And Camel Rock Casino (camelrockcasino.com/ pueblo-of-tesuque) is a popular site for gambling.