Escapees January-February 2023

skp stops

The intricate designs are even more beautiful when I understand the design’s meaning. I ask if she uses yucca stems for her paint brushes, and she says yes. I purchase the turtle and an ornament from another vendor who also explained its symbolism. “The fl ute player is Kokopelli, who represents healing,” he tells me. “The turquoise accent is for beauty.” Traditional Dance In addition to the museum and the local artisans selling their crafts, today there is a special presentation of traditional dance. Four men reach the middle of the grassy space and begin chanting and moving their bows and arrows. As they dance, they face each direction repeating the dance. I sit in a folding chair with about 100 other spectators witnessing the ceremony. "It is the bow and arrow dance," Jarren Naranjo, one of the dancers, tells me after the ceremony. He is the leader of the Santa Clara Pueblo Dance Group. The Center is the only place in North America to offer Native American dances every weekend year-round, showcasing dance groups from the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico and the neighboring Tribal Nations. “I bring my family,” he says, smiling down at his two-year-old daughter. “I want my children to learn the Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., guests can enjoy breakfast and lunch. The menu features Pueblo foods using traditional ingredients with contemporary twists. A breakfast example is waf fl es or griddle cakes with blue corn, quinoa, amaranth, currants, piñon, sun fl ower seeds, pumpkin seeds, triple berries and pure maple syrup. For lunch, you might choose Native American beef prime rib served with Pueblo fry bread, roasted green chile, grilled onions and red chile au jus. I choose the Monte Cristo sandwich using Pueblo oven bread, Swiss and cheddar cheese, roasted turkey and ham, red chile-infused raspberry preserves and berries. Judging by the number of diners this Saturday afternoon, everything on the menu must be delicious. When my day at the Center comes to a close, I have toured the museum and learned more about the Pueblo history and culture, admired the beautiful crafts Pueblo artists create, watched a traditional dance and enjoyed a delicious meal. Understanding different cultures and respecting them is a gift we can give to others and ourselves. For more information: https://indianpueblo.org. Marilyn Jones, Guest Contributor ways of the Pueblo; this is their heritage.” Indian Pueblo Kitchen is my next stop.

Everything about Indian Pueblo Culture Cen ter is interesting, enchanting and spiritual. I arrive just after opening, expecting to visit a museum. I didn’t realize the complex is the heart of 19 Pueblos. A place to celebrate New Mexico Pueblo history. It is located at the former Albuquerque Indian School (1881–1982), at the Center of 80 acres in the city’s heart. I start in the museum, although I now know there is much more to see. The museum, fi lled with beautiful Pueblo background music, is a treasure trove of illustrating displays, exhibits and personal testimonies about the legacy of resilience through their own words and voices. The permanent exhibit, "We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story," is inspired by the traditions passed down for generations, honoring the land and all living things. It presents dignity and respect for the history and accomplishments of the Pueblo people of New Mexico. I pass intricately decorated possessions. Detailed placard explanations tell the viewer what the symbolism means. For example, one lovely water jar depicts frogs, alligators and dragon fl ies. “Water is life...we paint animals associated with water on our pottery to honor their role in keeping us alive.” Painting techniques are explained, including chewing out the bristles of yucca stems to create tiny paint brushes and black paint made from Bee Weed plants. Other displays talk about the Spanish, the priests and the settlers who forced the indigenous people to change their religion, language and culture. The Pueblo became an enslaved people and were punished if they did not comply. These conditions are only a few put upon the Pueblo, leading to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Another placard explains, “...We must remain vigilant and continue to protect our way of life.” As I exit the museum, I see tables around a grassy circle. Here are men and women selling traditional Pueblo art. I learn that the sellers must make each item by hand. Marlene Vallo explains some of the symbolism of her Acoma Pueblo Pottery. “Blue represents the sky,” she begins telling me about the small object I am interested in buying. “The turtle is for long life and the fl ower for beauty.” She tells me more. Brown represents the sun and the checkerboard is corn. Fine lines symbolize rain, and triangles are clouds.

Decorative water vessel in cultural center museum. Santa Clara Pueblo Dance Group dance the bow and arrow dance. Sculpture on display in the cultural center museum. PHOTOS BY MARILYN JONES

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January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine