Zuni A:shiwi
Ancient Way Fall Festival - first two weekends of October - Website
Zuni Tribe and impact of the Gallup region.Research by: Deloris Becenti
Located thirty-five miles south of Gallup, New Mexico the Zuni tribe (one of the nineteen Pueblo tribes) or A:shiwi, still remain in their exact location that was once inhabited by the Anasazi (the ancient ones). The Zuni are popular for their needlepoint jewelry, animal fetishes and kachinas, as well as the popular water maiden dancers with their color full costumes during the Intertribal Indian Ceremonial held each year in the Gallup area. Tourists travel from abroad to catch a glimpse of the Shalako dances held in December to celebrate the beginning of a new year.
Similar to other Pueblos, the negative influence from the Spanish government escalated to the point that the Zuni joined the other Pueblo tribes in the Pueblo Revolt that southwestern history rarely brings forth. But the Zuni were not removed and still maintain their language, which is different from other Pueblo and Native languages.
A most current issue that has made an influence not only in the Gallup area, but with all Native tribes, was the proposed coal mine controversy. Zuni Salt Lake is a pilgrimage for many Pueblo tribes and is considered sacred grounds. Once again, the Pueblos united to save this sacred ground from strip mining for coal by the Salt River Project (SRP). The Sierra Club assisted with putting coalition together and joined forces with the Zuni. The SRP cancelled it plans for the proposed mine and went elsewhere to strip mine. This was a victory for the Zuni and for all environmentalists everywhere. Another recent victory was the passing of the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2003, which enables the Zuni tribe to use its water entitlement in developing the reservation.
As you walk through the community of Gallup, you see a variety of Native American artwork, jewelry, pottery, and more important, the natives themselves. The Zuni best known for their fetishes and popular needlepoint and mosaic jewelry, display their talent in a majority of the native jewelry stores in the Gallup area. Amidst the jewelry you will also find a variety of kachinas that represent different deities and the variety of clay and ceramic potteries.
Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico http://www.city-data.com/city/Zuni-Pueblo-New-Mexico.html
The Pueblos – New Mexico http://www.guestlife.com/newmexico/features/tocpueblos.html (Photos)
Indian Sun - History of the Zuni People www.indiansun.net/zuni.htm
Indian Sun – Zuni Jewelry www.indiansun.net/storeZJt.asp