Snapshot: Discover Native American Living in Taos Pueblos

Taos Pueblo

From far, they look like oblong mud blocks, one stacked on top of another. When you get nearer, you’ll realise that they are homes, with windows and doors carved out of adobe blocks. These are the dwellings of the Taos speaking Native American tribe of Pueblo people. Pueblos are communities, old and new, of Native Americans in Southwest US.

This community is one of the oldest, living, breathing sites of the tribe and dates back a century ago. It lies north of the modern city of Tao in New Mexico, USA and welcomes curious visitors who want to take a peek into their world.

The pueblos are maintained by re-plastering layers of mud.

The buildings in the settlement are made of a mixture of earth mixed with water and straw. The walls of these blocks are a few feet thick, and the roofs are supported by large timbers lugged from the forest. The pueblo’s façade is maintained by re-plastering with layers of mud while its interior is lined with thin washes of white earth to keep the home bright and airy.

You can take a 20-minute tour that takes you around the settlement, including the graveyard.

What makes Taos Pueblos special is how it manages to maintain its traditions even with rapid modernization. For visitors, a visit here is as close to going back in time to witness how Native Americans live 1000 years ago. You can take a 20-minute tour at the Pueblo, and it covers the old church, the graveyard and the open grounds in the tribe compound. There is even a bread oven in the settlement. If you’re into handmade souvenirs and artwork, you can visit at one of the few shops at the Pueblo. The craftsmanship is good and attention to detail superb. You can also grab some of the fry bread fresh from the bread oven.

You can buy the bread baked from these dome-shaped oven, while they are still piping hot.

If you’re a fan of Native American history, this place is made for you. People who’ve been here say it’s a good place to reflect and get another perspective of life. If you’re visiting South-west US, make this one of your pit stop.

The admission fee to the settlement:

Adult admission: $16

Students: $14

Group Rates (6 or more Adults): $14

Children 10 and under: Free