Acoma Pueblo Religion

Acoma Pueblo is a Native American pueblo approximately 60 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Four communities make up the village of Acoma Pueblo: Sky City (Old Acoma), Acomita, Anzac, and McCartys. The Acoma Pueblo tribe is a federally recognized tribal entity whose historic land of Acoma Pueblo totaled roughly 5,000,000 acres. Today, much of the Acoma community lives within the boundaries of the Acoma Indian Reservation. Acoma Pueblo is a National Historic Landmark. The Acoma have occupied the area for over 2000 years, making this one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Pueblo people are believed to have descended from the Ancestral Puebloans, Mogollon, and other ancient peoples. These influences are seen in the architecture, farming style, and artistry of the Acoma. In the 13th century, the Ancestral Puebloans abandoned their canyon homelands due to climate change and to defend themselves against raids by the Apache and Navajo. The Acoma Pueblo, which is situated on a 365-foot mesa, emerged by the 13th century. No attack against the Acoma succeeded until the Spanish arrived in the late 1500's. Acoma society is matriarchal. Women own the dwellings and household possessions. The youngest daughter in each family inherits the pueblo dwelling. In the case where the family has only boys, the youngest daughter of the of the youngest son will inherit the dwelling. Traditional Acoma religion stresses harmony between life and nature. The sun is a representative of the creator deity. Mountains that surround the community, the sun above, and the earth below balance and define the Acoma world. Traditional religious ceremonies may revolve around the weather, such as seeking to ensure a generous rainfall. The Acoma also use kachinas (a spiritual being and accessories required for its worship) in rituals. The Pueblos also had one or more kivas, which served as religious chambers. The leader of each Pueblo would serve as the community religious leader, or cacique. The cacique would observe the sun and use it as a guide for scheduling ceremonies, some which were kept secret. Many modern Acoma are Catholic, but blend aspects of Catholicism and their traditional religion. Many of the old rituals are still performed. In September, the Acoma honor their patron saint, Saint Stephen. On his feast day the mesa is opened to the public. More than 2,000 pilgrims attend the San Esteban Festival. The celebration begins at San Esteban Del Rey Mission where a carved pine effigy of Saint Stephen is removed from the altar and carried into the main plaza as people chant, shoot rifles, and ring steeple bells. The procession then proceeds past the cemetery, down narrow streets, and then to the plaza. Upon arriving at the plaza, the effigy is placed in a shrine lined with woven blankets and guarded by two Acoma men. A celebration follows with dancing and feasting.