Zuni Tribe
Prior to the Spanish revolt in 1680, the Zuni Tribe had six villages. After the revolt, the people took temporary refuge on top of a mesa known as Dowa Yalanne, a mesa southeast of their present location. After peace was re-constituted with the Spanish, the tribe relocated to the area that marks the current Zuni Pueblo. Today this group of traditional Native Americans welcomes all tourists, but must follow certain guidelines and etiquette, which can be found by contacting the Zuni Department of Tourism. Quick site links.... Zuni Pueblo The Zuni Pueblo is the largest of all New Mexico pueblos. The pueblo stretches over 700 square miles, which covers a large portion on McKinley County, NM. The Zuni population is mostly situated within the Pueblo or in a suburb know as Blackrock. The Zuni Pueblo is self-governed with their own courts, police, school system, and commercial base. The Pueblo itself is now surrounded by hand built houses and few allowed businesses. Today the Zuni Pueblo is a well-organized community. The school district consists of three levels of public schools and some private schools. Although the Zuni Tribe has many technologically advanced machines and household appliances, traditions are still a main priority and are continually practiced. Zuni tradition marks significance to the way the people live and practice religion. The Zuni Pueblo continues to produce fine traditional art in many ways, shapes, and forms. Zuni Pottery Along with their Inlay Jewelry,Zuni Pottery is a traditional art, which requires much skill and expertise to master. The tribe began making pottery thousands of years ago. The pottery is often hand made for both decorate and functional purposes. Some of the traditional families such as the Kalestewas, Peynestsa and Nahohai still dig their own clay and gather organic materials to produce their own natural colors and dyes. There are many techniques the Zuni tribe uses to produce pottery, Some of the techniques include a variety of firing methods that directly effect the ending result.
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The Zuni tribe is situated about 30 miles South of Gallup New Mexico in a red sanded desert context. Archaeological evidence proves the tribe has been found on this area for close to 1,300 years. It is speculated that the people of this tribe are direct descendants of the Ancient Pueblo People. In 1680, a pueblo revolt took place against the Spanish who tried forcing their beliefs and traditional culture upon the Zuni and other tribes. 