Welcome back and join me as we visit Zuni Pueblo!
Continue along with me and Simply Social on the Visit Gallup Content Creators trip in June 2024. This is part 2 where I highlight Zuni Pueblo. Click here to read about the Wild Wolf Sanctuary, El Rancho Hotel, the Gallup Mural Walking Tour, Gallup Flea Market, and Gallup Rodeo.
If you are interested in archaeology, history, and indigenous cultures, visit Zuni Pueblo and be enchanted by its enduring legacy. Discover how the Zuni people have preserved their unique identity over millennia. Take guided tours of historic sites and museums and engage with local artisans. Led by Zuni archaeologist Kenny Bowekaty, tours delve into the Pueblo’s ancient traditions, stunning art, and deep spiritual heritage.
Visit Zuni Pueblo
I am a Southwest archaeologist and seeing my two worlds come together was pure magic. In June 2024, I experienced the rich, important, sensitive, and beautiful Zuni Pueblo thanks to Visit Gallup. This visit offered our group of Content Creators a profound glimpse into a world where ancient traditions and contemporary life coexist harmoniously. AND where my jobs as Content Creator and Archaeologist had the opportunity to overlap as well.
A Journey Through History
The history of the Zuni people, or A:shiwi, is a testament to their resilience and cultural richness. People have inhabited Zuni Pueblo for over 4,000 years. This makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. This ancient village, known as Halona Idiwana, has been a center of culture, spirituality, and trade long before European settlers arrived.
The Zuni people are descendants of the Ancestral Puebloans. They were formerly referred to as the Anasazi. Read more about why we don’t use that term anymore here. Additionally, follow Native Power Rangers for more valuable education like this! Their ancestors constructed intricate stone and adobe structures, developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, and created stunning art and pottery.
Tours and Programs
Zuni Pueblo offers an immersive experience of their vibrant culture. Zuni Tourism Office and A:shiwi Adventures meticulously designed tours that respect and honor the community’s traditions while educating and engaging visitors.
The tour guides split our group into two and gave a wonderful sampling of multiple tours. My group visited Badger Springs, Kenny’s old family home in a historic farming village, and an ancestral village. Afterward, we all came together for a Zuni meal and to visit the Mission
The Opportunities are Endless
1. Old Mission Tour: This tour takes you to the historic Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission. Franciscan missionaries built the mission in the 1600s. Zuni artists painted stunning murals in this mission which are world-renowned. They depict Zuni religious iconography and deities. Do not take photos within the mission.
2. Traditional Zuni Cooking – we enjoyed a home-cooked meal including pueblo bread, Zuni pudding, two different kinds of stew, and more!
3. Zuni Museum Tour: The A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center has a wonderful display of Zuni artifacts, art, and history. The Zuni people curate their exhibits, ensuring that their stories are told from their perspective.
4. Artist Studio and/or Demonstration: Zuni Pueblo is famous for its artisans, particularly in the fields of pottery, jewelry, and fetish carving. This tour allows you to visit local studios, meet the artists, and purchase unique, handmade pieces directly from the source.
5. A:shiwi Adventures: Led by Kenny Bowekaty, a Zuni archaeologist, these tours combine archaeology, history, and Zuni traditions for a truly immersive cultural experience. Kenny’s deep knowledge and passion for his culture are evident in every aspect of the tours, which include:
Badger Springs: A remote site with ancestral rock art and artifacts, brought to life through vivid interpretation and cultural stories.
Hawikku: Visit one of the famed “Cities of Cibola,” where Europeans first made contact with Native Peoples in 1540.
Village of the Great Kivas: Explore a Chacoan-outlier village with extensive rock art and ceremonial structures.
Historic Farming Villages: Learn about Zuni’s rich agricultural history and dry-land farming practices.
You can only visit these locations with a Zuni Guide. Leave artifacts where found and admire the architecture, petroglyphs, and pictographs from a distance.
Visiting Zuni Pueblo
Planning a visit to Zuni Pueblo requires respect and sensitivity to the community’s traditions and way of life. Here are some essential tips for visitors:
- Respect Local Customs: Always ask for permission before taking photographs, particularly of people and religious ceremonies. Some areas and events may be off-limits to non-Zuni visitors. You are not allowed to take photos in the mission.
- Dress Appropriately: Modest clothing is recommended. Avoid wearing revealing or offensive attire.
- Be Mindful of Sacred Spaces: Certain areas, especially kivas and shrines, are sacred and may not be accessible to the public. Follow your guide’s instructions and signage.
- Support Local Businesses: Purchasing art and crafts directly from Zuni artisans supports the local economy and helps preserve traditional crafts.
A Memorable Experience
For our Simply Social group, visiting Zuni Pueblo was more than just a tour—it was an enlightening experience that bridged the past and present. As an archaeologist, standing among structures that have stood for millennia, feeling the palpable connection between history and the present, was nothing short of magical. The richness of Zuni culture, the depth of their history, and the warmth of their community left an indelible mark on us.
Our visit to Zuni Pueblo reminded us of the importance of preserving and respecting indigenous cultures. It was a journey through time, offering profound insights and a deeper appreciation for the resilience and beauty of the Zuni culture. Visit Zuni Pueblo and embrace the opportunity to learn, respect, and draw inspiration from this extraordinary community.
For more information about visiting Zuni Pueblo, check out the resources available at Zuni Tourism, A:shiwi Adventures, and Visit Gallup.
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