New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, is justly famous for the magical nature of it's landscape and natural wonders. Almost as important to understanding New Mexico, is to know something of it's unique cultural environment. New Mexico has three major cultural heritages that co-exist, over-lap, and become mixed into a rich tapestry. The first of our cultural heritages is that of the American Indians.
I believe the only state that only Arizona approaches the number of Indian tribes and peoples as New Mexico. People tend to think of the Pueblos as representative of New Mexican Indians, but that isn't really so. The State is also the home to various bands of Apache, Comanche, Navajo, and other less well known tribal groups. Even the 19 Pueblos are not homogenous, nor do they all speak the same language.
Here is a site where you can get a rather nice overview of Native Americans in New Mexico:
Background on the Native Americans of New Mexico
During your brief visit, there are a number of ways that you might experience a little bit of our Native Culture. We may be able to arrange a day trip to one of the Pueblos, the most likely being Taos (the most famous Pueblo located just North of Santa Fe), Santo Domingo (on the road North to Santa Fe), or Acoma (near Grants, NM to our West). Most of the other Pueblos are either closed to the touring public, too far afield, or so "modern" in their current state as to be of little interest unless you are an Anthropologist. Taos and Acoma tend to be more accepting of tourists, though they will exact parking, photographic and other fees of visitors. Taos is especially welcoming, and modern Taos is a shoppers paradise. The problem is that it is that it takes almost two hours to drive from Albuquerque to Tao
that makes for a very long day. Acoma is also a long drive and a full day's activity. Personally I prefer the landscape around Acoma to the mountains around Taos. Santo Domingo doesn't have so dramatic a setting as either Taos, or Acoma, but it is much closer to Albuquerque. The Pueblo retains it's adobe architecture around a central plaza where community celebrations and dances are held. No picture taking is permitted at Santo Domingo, and unless there is a public event scheduled for 23-25MAY, it may not be worth the trip. We are checking the Santo Domingo schedule, but nothing definite yet.
Many of our visitors like to take home souvenirs of reflecting the American Indian Art and Culture of our area. We know of several places here in Albuquerque where you can find Indian turquoise/silver jewelry, concho belts, pottery, Katchina dolls, drums, etc. at prices well below those generally found by out of area visitors. Most who come to Corazon tend to like high-end merchandise, and often spend upwards of a thousand dollars on their purchases. That isn't necessary, but expect to spend a bit over a hundred dollars for high quality bracelets, or necklaces. Earrings and rings, even in high-end stores will run from $25-$150. High quality Katchina dolls go for over a $100, and even small hand-woven Navajo rugs/blankets can easily go for over a thousand dollars. At the other end of the spectrum prices are correspondingly lower. Strings of turquoise can be had for as little as $25, low-quality pottery made for the retail market can be found for similar prices. Katchinas for the tourists often feature colorful feathers and fur in forms that owe little to the original cultural expression. I can find this sort of Katchina for you around $45-$100. Even if you are on a very limited budget, and don't intend buying much, you may want to visit a couple of the places we know of just to window shop.
c.i.
