Cliff dwellings and pit houses, ancient kivas, abandoned cities along ancient trade routes and mysterious symbols etched in rock stand as reminders that New Mexico was home to native cultures centuries before Europeans reached the Americas.

The people of the 19 Indian pueblos within our borders trace their origins to the Anasazi, creators of these prehistoric treasures, providing a living time line between our past and present. The Apache and Navajo, as well as other nomadic and seminomadic groups, reached this region later, enriching New Mexico's Native American legacy.

When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they found permanent mud-brick settlements all along the Rio Grande and near other of the state's waterways. They called them "pueblos," after the villages they had left behind, and dedicated each one to a saint, who then became the village patron.

For the most part, the Pueblo people accepted their strange, new neighbors. But over the years, resistance to Spanish attempts at religious and cultural oppression simmered until it finally ignited in the Pueblo Indian Revolt of 1680, the only successful revolt ever waged in the Americas against the Spanish presence.

The word " pueblo" refers to an Indian culture that is unique to the Southwest, and not to a particular tribe. Though they share many common elements, each pueblo has an independent government, and its own social order and religious practices. If any one factor links the people of the pueblos, it is language. One of five languages Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Keresan or Zunian, is spoken at each of the 19 pueblos.

The pueblos are further distinguished by their art: by jewelry, pottery, drums, carvings and weavings. The black-on-black matte pottery of San Ildefonso Pueblo is recognizable internationally, thanks to the talents of artists such as Maria Martinez. Also familiar are the brown micaceous pottery of Picuris and the geometric black and white pots of the Acoma.

Among New Mexico's non-Pueblo Indians, the Navajo are best known for their mastery of the loom and for their silver work; the Apaches for their skill at basket weaving.

The Apache and the Navajo share an Athapascan heritage. Tribal lands for the Jicarilla Apache are found in northern New Mexico. Mescalero Apaches live in the south.

By far, the largest group of Native Americans in New Mexico is the Navajo. Almost 7,500 square miles of surreal mesa lands, mostly in the state's northwestern quadrant, are part of the Navajo Nation. More than a third (about 77,000) of the nation's Navajo population lives here, contributing dramatically to the New Mexico way of life in terms of perspective and culture.

Regional trade fairs, all-Indian rodeos, public dances and feast day celebrations provide perfect opportunities to visit pueblos and tribal lands.

Also, some of New Mexico's most beautiful landscape is found on Indian lands, and opportunities for unique outdoor recreational experiences abound.

Many tribes have a museum or cultural center; and artwork generally can be purchased from tribally run stores or cooperatives, trading posts and private shops and homes. Native American cooperatives, such as the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque and the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos headquartered at San Juan Pueblo, allow visitors to see the work of several Native American groups at once.

Visitors are graciously welcomed on most Indian lands, with some restrictions. Please be courteous and remember that these are people's homes. If a reservation is closed for ceremonials, do not attempt to enter. Cemeteries and kivas are among the private areas that are off-limits to non-Indians.

Every New Mexico pueblo holds dances for its feast day-the holiday commemorating the Catholic saint who is its patron. Other dances might be held at Christmas, New Year's Day and other times in late winter or summer. Dances commonly open to the public include the corn, deer and buffalo dances.

Every dance is a prayer, not a performance, and as such, we are privileged to observe them. The nature and timing of dances vary from village to village and proceed rain or shine. Dances usually begin mid-morning and continue until sunset with an afternoon break. Refrain from walking across the dance plaza, climbing on walls or entering the ceremonial rooms. Please keep silent during the dances and do not applaud afterwards.
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It is wise to call the governor's office or tourist center at the Indian tribe or pueblo before visiting. The staff can provide all kinds of useful information and advise you about taping, photography, sketching and recording restrictions, which vary. Indian laws apply on Indian lands.

Visit the Pueblo Cultural Center to learn about the history and culture of the Pueblo Indians - people who have kept their proud heritage and traditions alive for more than a millennia.

The Santa Ana Pueblo webpage stands out as an attractive, informative site and is a great launch point for exploring today's Pueblo culture.