We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Zuni Pueblo?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,164
Share

The Zuni Pueblo is a Native American reservation in Northern New Mexico. Like other reservations, it is considered sovereign territory and the prevailing law is the tribal law, not that of New Mexico. The site is of cultural and historic interest because it contains numerous intact archaeological sites and the community that lives in the pueblo has retained many of the traditions of the Zuni people. Most visitors reach this site by car, typically driving from Albuquerque.

Zuni Native Americans have lived in this region for thousands of years. They hunted and fished to survive, gathering plants when they were seasonally available and constructing adobe homes, many of which were five or more stories tall. The area is also rich in deposits of silver and turquoise, both used by the Zuni people in decorative crafts, as well as objects designed for religious use.

When Europeans first encountered the Zuni, they remarked on the complexity of Zuni architecture and society, noting that the population was thriving and well-established. A mission church was built in Zuni Pueblo in the 1600s and it can still be seen today. The A:shiwi, as they are known in their native language, benefited from relative isolation and their tribal lands did not experience some of the depredations seen in other regions of the Americas.

Visitors to Zuni Pueblo can see a number of structures of interest, as well as meeting contemporary Zuni artists, examining historical artifacts on display, and participating in events. Tribal fairs are held in the summer and visitors are welcome. Religious events held in the winter are also open to the public, giving people an opportunity to see tribal dances and traditional religious rituals that have been preserved by the community.

Because Zuni Pueblo is a living community, not just an archaeological site, visitors are asked to be respectful. Tribal members prefer that visitors check in at the visitor's center when they arrive to get information about the reservation and any upcoming events. Photography is forbidden in many areas and it is generally advisable to ask for consent before taking photographs. The pueblo is filled with private homes and is not intended to function as a living museum. Staff at the visitor's center can provide members of the public with information about the areas in the reservation they can visit, and what they can do there. A limited number of hunting and fishing licenses are available to people from outside Zuni Pueblo on an annual basis.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-zuni-pueblo.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.