
Popular State Guides
|
Free Traveling Guides » States » New Mexico » Northern PueblosTesuque Pueblo

Tesuque Pueblo, one of the Eight Northern Pueblo, is situated 9 miles (14.4 km) north of Santa Fe on US 84/285. With a population of not more than 806 people, it is one of the smallest pueblos in the state. The name of the Pueblo has been derived from the Tewa word Te Tesugeh Oweengeh, meaning the "village of the narrow place of the cottonwood trees." Situated in the soft red-brown foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Tesuque Pueblo has air of age-old tranquility and it is known for its rich heritage. According to the estimates, this Pueblo was constructed in 1200 AD. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The most impressive feature in the area is the Camel Rock, a stunning natural sandstone formation that has been eroded into the shape of a camel by wind and rain. The entrance of the Pueblo lies to the south of this Rock. The famous Camel Rock Casino, situated across the highway, is also run by the residents of the Pueblo. This Casino houses an elegant arts and crafts gift store. Tesuque Pueblo is home to a number of artists who create paintings, pottery, and sculpture. The most noteworthy artwork includes Teresa Tapia’s miniatures and pots with animal figures and Ignacio Duran’s black-and-white and red micaceous pottery.
Besides, the Pueblo is also known for its traditional clothing and silverwork. The Tesuque Pueblo Reservation encompasses an area of over 17,000 acres (70 sq-km), including the Vigil Land Grant High in the Santa Fe National Forest and the Aspen Ranch. The Native American tribe at the Pueblo also runs the Tesuque Pueblo Flea Market on Opera Hill, with Camel rock Suites and over 1200 booths available every weekend. The Tesuque people are considered to be the most traditional among all New Mexico pueblos in preserving culture and observing ceremonies.
The main cultural events at the pueblo include the annual Feast day of San Diego, observed on November 12; the Three Kings Day festivities in January; the Christmas Day celebrations; and the Corn dance, performed during the first weekend in June. The San Diego Feast Day features harvest, Deer, flag, Buffalo, and Comanche Dances. All festivals are open to the public but photography and video recording are strictly prohibited. Other attractions on the site include the San Diego Church, the fifth Church on the pueblo’s plaza and the Crafts Gallery on the southeast corner of the Plaza.
- Address: Tesuque Pueblo,
Rt. 5 Box 360-T,
Santa Fe, NM 87506
- Telephone: (505) 983-2667/988-3620, (800) 483-1040
- Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM daily
|
Top 5 National Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Grand Canyon
- Yosemite
- Olympic
- Yellowstone
All 58 national parks. |