Taos Pueblo

We spent almost a day at the 1,000 year old Taos Pueblo just north of Taos. This is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the US.  It is now a UNESCO site. Most people in this community now live just outside the site, but 10 families remain living within the Pueblo itself without running water, electricity or toilets. This community has revolted for centuries against domination and forced removal from their homes and land by the Spaniards, Mexicans, Americans and other Native American tribes.  The devastations and deprivations suffered during these conflicts are too complex and numerous to describe here.  Needless to say, you learn a lot visiting a place like this.

Taos Pueblo. Imagine building and maintaining structures like these without metal tools, running water, or electricity. For example, the adobe walls need replastering once or twice a year due to the erosive effects of wind and precipitation.   Some buildings are in decent shape, but others are falling into disrepair.

Single dwellings within the Pueblo are now often used as shops to sell baked goods, jewelry, artwork, drums and other musical instruments, and woven goods. 

I love this photo of the sun laying stripes through a wooden roof onto the blue furniture on a terrance.

The Spaniards forced the adoption of Christianity on the inhabitants of the Pueblo and made them build a church. When over 150 women, children and elderly sought refuge in the church during a siege by the US Army (too complicated to explain why here), the US Army burned the church and everyone in it. This is what remains today. 

This is the new church. About 75% of the population of Taos Pueblo practices some degree of Christianity today, along with their own traditional beliefs.

More red peppers drying in the sun.

Another view of the Pueblo with the sacred Taos Mountain behind.