Living in the Sky City
Along with the Taos Pueblo reservation, Acoma Pueblo Sky City was certainly one of the most interesting places in New Mexico. The name ‘Sky City’ comes from where they live; top of the 367ft high mesa. They managed to build the houses and the stairs on the top of the rocky mesa. This very isolated reservation has been the land of Acoma people since 1150 AD. Acoma Pueblo has earned the reputation as the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America.
Don’t take notes, just listen
In Taos Pueblo tour, we had to purchase a camera pass but no restriction about taking notes. However, the ticket price is included with the camera pass in Acoma Pueblo, we weren’t allowed to take notes. We didn’t get a clear reason why just it’s how they roll things.
Woman owns houses in Acoma Pueblo
Acoma Pueblo has a long history with the Spanish. They used the geological advantage they had to survive. After all, they had to go through the horrific massacre, but they are standing tall to this day. There are 300 homes on the mesa and only 30 people are living there all year around. However, they don’t leave their home alone all year; they come back to their mesa and take care of them. To Acoma people, home is a living creature; they live, they talk, and they breathe. Never let home to be lonely. Interesting, according to Acoma tradition, the youngest daughter of the family inherited the house. Hence, all of the home owners are women. I remember when we talked to Albert, one of the Spokane Tribal member, that women were and are the ones who have actual power in the tribe. Men were the one out there hunting and doing things, but women decided what to hunt when to hunt, and what had to be done.
Looking down the Enchanted Mesa and this wonderful view, I felt humble. In front of the wonderful nature, how small we are, and how small I am. It is a harsh life living on the top of the mesa, but I think I could understand a part of it; they love their reservation, history and the tradition. It can be inconvenient, but that’s not the point of having a fulfilled life.
Hmm, that’s a little strange that you weren’t allowed to take notes… but at least photos were allowed. Beautiful set of photos. The mud brick homes with the contrasting bright blue sky is amazing!
Tell me about it… it surprised me as well. The history behind is such a tragic; so I felt different when I photograph their home and scenery. But, it’s really a beautiful place for sure. Very wild, very dry and very southwestern.
The bus photo looks like a filmstrip. 😀 Anyway, the place looks magnificent and very historic. I feel so much respect for the Acoma people.
Absolutely love the pictures and the little turtles!!!! Tragic history!