The 1-mile drive North, from the modern city of Taos, to this historic landmark was lovely. We were not sure what we were going to experience, but oh my.......we were deeply moved.
The Taos Pueblo is a collection of multi-storied adobe dwelling that have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. The houses are on the slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain ↑↑↑.
It is the only Native American community designated as both a UNESCO(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site AND a National Historic Landmark.
The culture, the people, the land......... oh my! YES, these places are occupied ALL YEAR!(also known as living Native American community) Of interest to us, were several inhabitants.
He(the resident, who asked not to be photographed) carried on quite the conversation with Ron about bow making, and arrows.
They spoke the same language(in a sense). He also sold some jewelry, and let us know the precise tribe in which they were made. Speaking of tribes, Taos Pueblo is one of 19 pueblos of New Mexico and Neighboring Tribal nations. Each pueblo is a sovereign nation. Pueblo people live in modern houses, working and living both on and off of reservations. Here at Taos Pueblo, there are about 150 Pueblos!
The doors/homes that are not clearly marked as businesses are homes that are not open to the public.
The ruins of the original San Geronimo Church remain
.↓We departed the Taos Pueblo with a better understanding of our heritage. "From the earliest days, Taos Pueblo was a critical center of trade and communications between American Indian tribes, and eventually between the Indians and the Spanish."
We both found Taos Pueblo one of the most integral parts of the Taos area. We(I) purchased very little on our trip, but these earrings, crafted by the Zuni Tribe, take on a new meaning!
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