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Free Traveling Guides » States » New Mexico » Greater New Mexico Pueblo Art
The word “pueblo” refers to “a village” in Spanish. The Pueblo people of North America are Native Americans who lived in compact villages of mud or stone in north-western portion of New Mexico. These unique, ancient villages are called the ‘pueblos’. These pueblo-dwelling Native People of New Mexico are divided into 19 Pueblo tribes. These tribes are well known for their wonderful artwork.
Pottery, textile weaving, and basketry were utilized by these people as an integral part of everyday living. A distinct artistic application was always incorporated into the items of daily use. Each of the 19 tribes has a unique style of its own that distinguishes it from others. However, the basic art forms, traditions, ceremonies, and utilitarian items of all these tribes are quite similar. The main languages used by the Pueblo People include Tiwa, Tewa, Towa, Zuni, Keres, and Hopi. Pueblo Art has also influenced the artwork and culture of the Ute, Navajo, and Apache communities, which had frequent interaction with the Pueblos.
The tradition Pueblo art forms include cotton and wool textile weaving, pottery, drum making, cottonwood root carving, shell and turquoise jewelry making, moccasin making, bow and arrow making, heishi, painting, and basketry. On the other hand, the contemporary art forms of the modern-day Pueblos include glass art; silver, gold, and precious stone jewelry; and stone & wood sculptures. A range of innovations by contemporary artists on traditional themes is also included in Pueblo Art forms. Each Pueblo tribe has its own characteristic style and technique of basketry. Today, the artwork of a few Pueblo potters is highly valued by famous art collectors. The Pueblo pottery is mainly known for the beauty of its shape and decoration. Besides, fine woolen blankets, and cotton and woolen clothing made by skilled Pueblo weavers are also highly prized now-a-days.
In ancient times, the Pueblo People used to live in stone or mud houses. The outer walls in these houses did not have any windows or doors. Access to the house interiors was by ladders that led to trapdoors in the roofs. However, modern-day pueblo people live in homes that often have glass windows and hinged doors. The whole village usually lives in a single great complex built in a unique architectural style. Each such complex has two to several special structures, called ‘Kivas’. The entire Pueblo economy is largely based on agriculture, gardening, building houses, and sale of Pueblo handicrafts.
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