Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

Taos County

35-76410

Taos Pueblo is probably the oldest, continuously inhabited settlement in the United States. The village consists of two pueblos and is located in the northern part of the U.S. state of New Mexico in Taos County in Taos Indian Reservation on both sides of the Rio Pueblo, which is also called Red Willow Creek. In the two main buildings are home to about 150 Indians of Taos also mentioned people in a largely traditional lifestyle. 1992 UNESCO declared Taos Pueblo World Heritage Site. Taos Pueblo is a census- designated place with 1264 inhabitants (as of 2000), of which 95% are Indians, and an area of 40.5 km ² around the settlement.

History and Culture

The oldest parts of the present building date back to the Anasazi culture and were built 1000-1450. 1540 When the Spaniards reached the present-day southwestern United States, they found the settlement in search of the legendary "Seven Golden Cities" in the Gold Country Cibola.

The buildings are made of adobe mud bricks, they are a multilevel design, the upper floors jump back. For promotion to upper floors mainly conductors are still used.

The residents identify more than 90% as Roman Catholic, but integrate it into their religious practice traditional rites of prächristlichen natural religion. Details of their religious beliefs and practices are not accessible to outsiders. The inside of her Catholic church " San Geronimo Chapel " must not be photographed. While larger celebrations that take place in late August each year, and, where appropriate, at other times of access to the entire area for non- members of the pueblo is prohibited.

The return of the people of Taos Pueblo sacred Blue Lake and adjacent lands northeast of the settlement and southeast of Wheeler Peak in the years 1970 and 1996 was an important step on the path of self-government of the Indians. The Blue Lake is the central sanctuary and the place of the creation story of Taos. The area was separated from the reserve in 1906 and was the United States Forest Service passed. Long-standing protests were answered by prohibitions of traditional religious practice in the area, because these include the use of mescaline. It was not until President Richard Nixon recognized the cultural significance of the land and transferred the lake in September 1970 at the Taos back. The Taos refer to this step as the most important event in their recent history. The area was extended in 1996 by law. It is solely the cultural customs of the Taos, the access is forbidden to outsiders. Recognition of the rights of Taos in 1970 is considered a precursor of the Indian Self Determination Act of 1975.

Taos Pueblo is a tourist attraction, the inhabitants live mainly from tourism, and the production of works of art and handicrafts, which are sold primarily to visitors. Next to it is the agricultural sector for their care.