Pueblo Indians, named after their famous multi-story houses, are Native Americans from the southwestern US. They descended from three major civilizations and are known for their farming, irrigation systems, and handmade arts. The Spanish and American governments forced their religion and land from them, but they regained possession. There are 19 pueblos still inhabited in New Mexico, open to the public with their own laws and etiquette.
Pueblo Indians are Native Americans who live in the southwestern corner of the United States. They are named after the houses they are famous for building, called pueblos. Pueblos are multi-story, apartment-type buildings built with natural materials such as clay and stone. The pueblo houses were built around a plaza, which had a central chamber used for religious purposes. Each pueblo was an independent community with its own chief.
Most modern Pueblo Indian communities are found in New Mexico, but they also once occupied large portions of Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. Pueblo Indians are descended from three major civilizations which include the Mogollon, Hohokam, and Pueblo peoples. These prehistoric indigenous civilizations first appeared in the year 1200 BC, with the first permanent villages appearing in 500 AD
During the height of their civilization, the Pueblo Indians not only hunted but began growing vegetables such as corn, squash, and beans. They also raised turkeys and developed irrigation systems to aid in their farming endeavours. As the Pueblos continued to use their irrigation systems, they began growing tobacco and cotton. Additionally, Pueblo Indians are well known for their handmade arts, crafts, clothing, and jewelry, which are adorned with turquoises, shells, feathers, and animal furs.
By the year 1600 AD, the Spanish had forced the ancient Puebloans out of their communities and forced their religion underground. The Spanish conquered and reconquered the Pueblos during the 1600s, built missions near the pueblos, and imposed Christianity on the Native Americans. In the 1680s, the Pueblos rose up to take back their land from the Spanish; the returned and regained possession of the area in 1692.
When Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, the Pueblo Indians began to revolt. In 1847, the Taos Pueblo Indians revolted against the new American government, who retaliated by storming their pueblo and killing more than 150 Indians. After the riot, the US government executed 16 Indians for their role in the riot.
Currently, there are 19 pueblos still inhabited by Pueblo Indians in New Mexico. Most of the pueblos are open to the public, who can visit to participate in meetings and ceremonies. Each community has its own laws and etiquette that people need to familiarize themselves with before visiting.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
