Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008 - (Page 14)

©Tom Brahl pueblo culture he storied lives of ancient and contemporary Pueblo people offer a rich legacy of understanding specific to Albuquerque, New Mexico, a city surrounded by the original ancestral lands of 22 Indian tribes, 19 of which are Pueblos. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, on 12th Street north of I-40, is an essential resource for visitors and scholars who are looking to understand the history, traditions and cultural continuum of Pueblo people in New Mexico. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is divided into two distinct components. The lower level of the center is home to a permanent installation, documenting the complex history, traditions, artwork and lifestyles of all the pueblos. Each of the 19 pueblos is represented in displays of weaving, pottery, jewelry, clothing, utilitarian tools and photography. At the entrance to this exhibit, a large-scale photograph of a Zia Pueblo elder is shown emerging from a kiva, the sacred ceremonial space symbolizing the creation story and emergence from dark to light, earth to sky, central to all of the pueblos. In architectural contrast to the lower level of the center, the ground floor is filled with natural light, views of the mountains, access to a traditional plaza, gift shop and contemporary art gallery. In addition to permanent and changing exhibitions, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center also offers demonstrations of Indian dances, artists talks, a Pueblo house interactive experience and an introduction 14 T to Pueblo foods at the Pueblo Harvest Cafe. Many opportunities await inquiring visitors wishing to share in the cultural experiences within the context of Pueblo cultures on original ancestral lands. Celebrations and observances throughout the year prompt special ceremonial dances specific to the occasion. Each dance tells a unique story and serves a distinct purpose. The dances including the Corn Dance, Deer Dance and Buffalo Dance are performed throughout the year as a way of continuing the Pueblo traditions and to pass them on to future generations. There are feast days at each pueblo during the course of the year, many of which are open to the public. The new Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum at Acoma Pueblo is now open after a fire destroyed the original museum in 2000. The museum provides a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the Acoma people and their resiliency to survive with their beliefs and values intact. The museum showcases permanent exhibits of the renowned Acoma pottery and never-before displayed textiles. Traveling exhibits featuring other Native American arts, and a theater for classes, films and guest speakers. Daily tours of Acoma Pueblo offer a look at living history with a pueblo member as your guide. Acoma Pueblo was recently named a National Trust Historic Site. Jemez Pueblo is approximately 50 miles northwest of Albuquerque. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery, the Walatowa pueblo tours “Into the Sunset Western Pueblo Tours” now features day tours to the Pueblos of Acoma and Zuni each week. The tours start in Albuquerque at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The tours offer transportation, Pueblo stepon guides, traditional Pueblo meals, guided walking tours through each site’s museum, cultural center and mission. Village tours are led by a member of each respective pueblo. Tours accommodate between 10 and 55. (It is important to call ahead to schedule tours at 505-843-7270.) Experience Zuni features two alternating tours on Wednesdays to Halona Idiwan’a (the Middle Village) and includes either the Old Zuni Mission or the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center. Saturday and Sunday tours to Zuni are also available. Zuni was first of the Pueblos to have encountered Spanish explorers in 1540 in their search for the mythical “Seven Cities of Gold.” Destination Acoma features the Sky City Cultural Center, Haak’u Museum and historic “Sky City,” the most continuously occupied village in North America. This tour is offered every Tuesday and Thursday. www.itsatrip.org www.itsatrip.org http://www.itsatrip.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008

Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008 Contents Welcome to Albuquerque Visitor & Relocation Information Maps Cultural Conversations Pueblo Culture Arts What's New? Family Outings Calendar of Events Ballooning High Desert Golfing Birding in Albuquerque Outdoor Enthusiasm Albuquerque's Original Flavors Shopping Destinations Resource Directory of Marketing Partners Lodging Directory Virtual Ad Index

Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008

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