The Zuni Pueblo
The people of Zuni consider their Pueblo to be an artist colony since over
80% of all income is from the sale of local artwork. Most noted are the Zuni
Fetish carvings. Fetishes have been a part of the Zuni culture for as long
as they have been in existence.
The other art form the Zuni are best appreciated for is jewelry made of
small but precisely cut stones set in sterling silver. The first silversmith
jeweler was Lanyade who in turn taught many other Zuni artists his skill.
Prior to Lanyade, the Zuni only used non-precious metals to make tools. Since
Lanyade, the skill of Zuni jewelry artists are appreciated and sought after
worldwide.
Zuni pettipoint, also known as needlepoint jewelry is setting the finely
carved stones with sterling silver prongs. The other form of jewelry making
the Zuni are world renown for is inlay work, which is arranging the stones
in a picture or a pattern that lays flat in a silver setting.
Pottery has been a part of the Zuni people since the beginning. Shards
have been dated and cataloged from the region and regarded as some of the
best examples of pottery in the area. Traditional pottery, created in the
hand coiled method is still produced. The pots are painted with natural pigments
found on the Zuni reservation. Many are utilitarian but most are sold as
art objects today.
The Zuni have many Kachinas who are the spirits of people who have passed
away but still inhabit Zuni without a physical body. The Kachinas, also referred
to as Kokos, are petitioned to assist the Zuni in the same way that a Catholic
would pray to a saint. The Zuni carve Kachina images out of wood and use
local materials and pigments to clothe and decorate them. These Kachinas
as an art form are highly collectible.
Historically known as peaceful farmers, the Zuni
people have lived in this region of the Southwest since 700 BC. It’s
currently the largest Pueblo covering over 700 square miles and supporting
over 10,000 inhabitants. The
majority of the Zuni population lives in the main village of Zuni or in
Black Rock, a suburb community nearby but many choose to live in traditional
dwellings
in the remote outback just like their ancestors did.
In 1539 it was Friar Marcos De Niza’s visit to Zuni that flamed the
fiery passion to find the legendary Seven Cities of Gold. This led to Coronado’s
quest resulting in the occupation and downfall of many of the tribes in
the Southwest. However, the remote location of the Zuni peoples kept their
culture
in tact. The Zuni are still considered the most traditional of all the
Pueblos of the Southwest.
Today Zuni is a sovereign, self-governed nation with its own constitutional
government, court system, police department and schools. They mark their
years with a cycle of traditional ceremonial activities; the most sacred
and perhaps
the most recognized is the annual Sha'lak'o event. Although many of these
religious celebrations are open to the public, one must always remain respectful
by obeying the rules set by the Pueblo government.
The Zuni Pueblo holds many treasures in its culture and in the people
both living and deceased. There are many ancient sacred sites that may
be visited with a guide and there’s always plenty of artwork to
take home. Photography is limited and you must always ask before photographs
can be taken, but you can purchase photos of the breathtaking beauty of
the Zuni to remind you of your visit to this amazing part of the traditional
Southwest.
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