San Ildefonso Pueblo

San Ildefonso Pueblo, situated in the Santa Fe County, New Mexico, is one of the Eight Northern Pueblos. This Tewa-speaking Pueblo is popularly known as the ‘Pox Oge’, which in Tewa language means “a place where water cuts down through�. The contemporary San Ildefonso Pueblo is a flourishing art community and is located just 23 miles (37.1 km) north of Santa Fe. It can be easily reached by following US 84/285 and then turning west off NM 502.

San Ildefonso Pueblo is the most frequented Northern Pueblo, attracting nearly 20,000 visitors annually. It has a large, dusty plaza, with ancient dwellings on one side, a large, dusty plaza on the other side, and a Church at the far end. The Pueblo is also known for its scenic beauty. It is situated at the foot of the Pajarito Plateau, nearly 8 miles (13 km) from Los Alamos, New Mexico. The spectacular Rio Grande River also runs through the Pueblo. Another impressive feature is the “Black Mesa�, a large volcanic outcropping north of the San Ildefonso Pueblo. The Black Mesa is considered to be a symbol of people’s strength.

This Pueblo is also well known as the home and birthplace of the late Maria Martinez, who developed the internationally acclaimed black-on-black pottery with black matte designs. San Ildefonso was established in early 1900s and since then, it has been the main center of the Pueblo arts revival. All the artisans’ homes in the pueblo are open to the public for shopping. A major attraction at the Pueblo is the 4.5 acre (0.019 sq-km) San Ildefonso fishing lake. This lake is surrounded by “Bosque� (forest) and is open to the public from April through October.

Besides, there are a number of picnic areas along Rio Grande. However, camping in the area is strictly prohibited. Other main tourist attractions in the area include the San Ildefonso Pueblo Museum and the Maria Poveka Martinez Museum. The major cultural event is the dawn Animal Dance performed here on the pueblo’s feast day observed on January 23, every year. Maps and permits for sketching, recording, and photography are sold at the Visitor Center.

• Address: San Ildefonso Pueblo, Rt. 5 Box 315 A, Santa Fe, NM 87506
• Telephone: (505) 455-2273
• Hours: Summer: 8 AM - 5 PM daily; Winter: Mon - Fri, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
  
• Website: www.indianpueblo.org