Dried bricks covered in mud form the basis for this church at Pueblo of Acoma.
Pueblo of Acoma is a mesa community that may have been inhabitated even before the time of Christ. It’s a place where adobe homes are inhabited by strong people, who have managed to live without running water or electricity even during modern times. The word acoma, you come to find out, means “a place always prepared.”
Most dwellings at Acoma began with mud and a mixture of pebbles, rocks, sticks, and stumps. And it’s the simplicity of construction that draws you in to appreciate the work and craftmanship that began centuries ago. As you can imagine, repairs are ongoing, requiring constant rebuilding and refurbishing with earthy elements found on site.
We were drawn to the plainness, the stark exteriors with minimal, if any, ornamentation.
Tourists are welcome but only if they respect the working village and those who call Acoma home. You can take photos, but not of the residents.
Earthy details invite a closer look at the construction and simplistic beauty of homes at Acoma.
In late afternoon, the sun casts long shadows on this monochrome mesa. And etched in our memory of our tour of Acoma was the stark yet beautiful architecture of this land and its sturdy, proud people.
Afternoon shadows at pueblo of Acoma
For more of Ailsa’s Travel theme: Dried, go to her website Where’s My Backpack? or click here.
Travel tip: Begin your tour of Pueblo of Acoma at Sky City Cultural Center located near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
We were briefly in Santa Fé six years ago. We didn’t have a car and sadly did not see these amazing buildings.
So sorry you missed this site. It’s really a treasure for the U.S. Perhaps another time?
These photos are so lovely. I have to admit I am a BIG FAN of adobe and natural homes. It is my absolute dream to one day build a house out of mud and one hundred percent natural materials.
Terrific post. Thanks,
Peta
It can be done. We’ve built two such houses in Nepal and Lesotho through Habitat for Humanity. There’s not much to love about living in them when you’re accustomed to indoor plumbing and electricity, but to the families who wanted these, they were mansions!!
somehow I’m feeling a little ‘parched’!
It was definitely dry but fascinating. I have no idea how they live with no water or electricity, but they do!!
I am always amazed with what the natives of the Southwest could do with mud, bricks and timber, Rusha. It was also true of tribal Liberians when I was in the Peace Corps. –Curt
We’ve seen and built mud & stone homes in Nepal and Lesotho, but these are much older than any we’ve seen. Constant upkeep, I suppose.
It is amazing that they have survived.
So interesting and different from where I live. Thank you for sharing. I feel like an armchair traveler 🙂
Thanks so much for this comment. We’ve been traveling in national parks with limited Internet access. But I feel as you do — these are beautiful dwellings in their own way.
I’m hoping to go to Acoma Pueblo next year. Great to see a preview through your photos!
So glad you will be going. I should have written more about this fabulous place. Go to the visitor center at the bottom of the mesa first. Then you’ll ride the bus up to the top. Great experience!
Thanks Rusha! Enjoy the weekend!
A long dusty road once led from Route 66 to Acoma; 52 years later the Interstate takes one much closer to a bit more gentrified pueblo, but I still love it.
I still love it, too. Couldn’t live there myself. But admire those who do. Thanks for your response.
Love everything southwest
I’m with you, Dawn. The Southwest has such an attraction for me. Would love to return each year and see something new.