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I loved visiting the Acoma Pueblo so much with my friend Nancy almost ten years ago that I wanted Chuck to see it, too. He patiently took me there, which goes against his nature for back-tracking on any trip: We had to drive 55 miles west of Albuquerque (that night's destination) to go to Acoma before checking in to our hotel (and then drive back to Albuquerque).
One must purchase a ticket to visit Acoma Pueblo and access to it is only allowed via their mini-buses. Dark clouds were approaching, and we were glad that we wore our windbreakers and brought an umbrella because rain started after our arrival on top.
From Wikipedia:
"The Pueblo lies on a 365-foot mesa, about 60 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The isolation and location of the Pueblo has sheltered the community for more than 1,200 years, which sought to avoid conflict with neighboring Navajos and Apaches.
"Today, about 300 two- and three-story adobe buildings reside on the
mesa, with exterior ladders used to access the upper levels where
residents live. Access to the mesa is by a road blasted into the rock
face during the 1950s. Approximately 30
or so people live permanently on the mesa, with the population
increasing on the weekends as family members come to visit and tourists,
some 55,000 annually, visit for the day."
It is a little disappointing to find homes that do not appear to be old still standing there, but the designs are similar to the originals. During the tourist season, more people live there, because tables with Acoma pottery are out for sale with the artists' and their families selling them.
I found it very interesting that the houses are passed on through mothers and daughters, on and on. That is also how people know which family they belong to--through their mothers.
We were lucky to arrive at the church, where no picture-taking is allowed with its cemetery in front, before the downpour began.
When the rain had lessened, most of the people went back to the bus. About five ladies, including me, went back to some tables with a guide because we wanted to buy some pottery. I went all out, mostly because this was my second trip there, and bought a large pot from Terrance Chino, Sr. He made the other pots pictured, and the one I got is in the front.
While it rained, I wrote him a check and we arranged for him to mail it to me. A week had passed after our return home, and it had not come. Last Friday I was surprised by a phone call from Terrance Chino, himself; asking me if the pot had arrived. In fact, it was delivered that very afternoon! I was surprised at how well he had wrapped it--triple wrapped in bubble wrap, taped together, and in two boxes with styrofoam pellets for protection. Plus, I was astounded at how it was more beautiful (and bigger!) than I had remembered. Amazingly, the artist enclosed a piece of notebook paper, with the different symbols drawn and described. I am thrilled with this personal connection with the artist.
Poor Chuck had a stressful drive back to Albuquerque, because the thunderstorm accompanied us along the way.
Still, we were/are both glad that we visited Acoma (Sky City) Pueblo on May 23, 2014.
 |
| View of Acoma Pueblo with Sky City Visitor's Center below |
From Wikipedia:
"The Pueblo lies on a 365-foot mesa, about 60 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The isolation and location of the Pueblo has sheltered the community for more than 1,200 years, which sought to avoid conflict with neighboring Navajos and Apaches.
"Today, about 300 two- and three-story adobe buildings reside on the
mesa, with exterior ladders used to access the upper levels where
residents live. Access to the mesa is by a road blasted into the rock
face during the 1950s. Approximately 30
or so people live permanently on the mesa, with the population
increasing on the weekends as family members come to visit and tourists,
some 55,000 annually, visit for the day."It is a little disappointing to find homes that do not appear to be old still standing there, but the designs are similar to the originals. During the tourist season, more people live there, because tables with Acoma pottery are out for sale with the artists' and their families selling them.
I found it very interesting that the houses are passed on through mothers and daughters, on and on. That is also how people know which family they belong to--through their mothers.
 |
| Only living tree on Acoma Pueblo |
We were lucky to arrive at the church, where no picture-taking is allowed with its cemetery in front, before the downpour began.
When the rain had lessened, most of the people went back to the bus. About five ladies, including me, went back to some tables with a guide because we wanted to buy some pottery. I went all out, mostly because this was my second trip there, and bought a large pot from Terrance Chino, Sr. He made the other pots pictured, and the one I got is in the front.
 |
| Pots by Terrance M. Chino, Sr. |
While it rained, I wrote him a check and we arranged for him to mail it to me. A week had passed after our return home, and it had not come. Last Friday I was surprised by a phone call from Terrance Chino, himself; asking me if the pot had arrived. In fact, it was delivered that very afternoon! I was surprised at how well he had wrapped it--triple wrapped in bubble wrap, taped together, and in two boxes with styrofoam pellets for protection. Plus, I was astounded at how it was more beautiful (and bigger!) than I had remembered. Amazingly, the artist enclosed a piece of notebook paper, with the different symbols drawn and described. I am thrilled with this personal connection with the artist.
Poor Chuck had a stressful drive back to Albuquerque, because the thunderstorm accompanied us along the way.
Still, we were/are both glad that we visited Acoma (Sky City) Pueblo on May 23, 2014.
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