[World Heritage: Taos Pueblo] A Journey to an "Independent Nation" Inside the U.S. — Exploring the Native American Pueblo Village

A five-hour drive from Denver through the vast wilderness brought me to Taos Pueblo in New Mexico for my second visit.

Though located within the U.S., it remains a self-governing community of the Pueblo people. Their history here began over 1,000 years ago—dating back to Japan's late Heian period.

↑ Traditional Multi-Story Adobe Structure

Living the Traditional Way Without Power or Running Water

There is no electricity, running water, or gas here.
The people draw their daily water directly from the clean stream that flows through the heart of the village.

 ↑ Water Source: Red Willow Creek (Rio Pueblo de Taos)

 ↑ Outdoor Equipment: Traditional Clay Oven (Horno)

 ↑ Hand-applied mud plastering by villagers

 

Sustaining Their Heritage as a Source of Income

Because the village itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, admission fees serve as a major source of revenue.

Within the pueblo, local families sell traditional handicrafts such as Native American jewelry, handcrafted pottery, and authentic Taos drums. You can also buy freshly baked bread and frybread prepared in traditional outdoor clay ovens (horno). The jewelry, in particular, consists of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces you can't find anywhere else. Additionally, the tribe operates a casino as a tribal business enterprise.

 ↑ Pay admission fees here.

 ↑ A female guide leads a group of tourists through the village.

 ↑ A family-run shop selling handmade jewelry and traditional crafts.

 

Overcoming centuries of invasion, persecution, and reclamation.

We must never forget the tragic history this land has endured—from severe oppression and colonization under Spanish rule to the subsequent occupation by the United States.

Yet, after years of persistent negotiations, they achieved a historic milestone in 1970 under President Nixon: the full return of their sacred land, marking a first in American history.

 ↑ The bell tower and graveyard crosses remaining at the ruined site of the original church, destroyed by U.S. military artillery.

 ↑ The beautiful white gates of the rebuilt, current San Geronimo Church.

 

A Cherished Home for Those Living Outside the Village

Even for those who live modern lives outside the village, this place remains a deeply cherished home. Much like returning to a family house or retreat, members of the Pueblo community gather here for ceremonies and traditional events, coming together to hand-plaster and restore the adobe walls, faithfully keeping their ancestral home alive.

 ↑ Carrying on the duty of preserving tradition by crafting handmade pottery.

 ↑ The bison skull—a deeply significant and sacred symbol of their culture.

Passing down tradition and spirit to the next generation—it resonates deeply with our own desire in Japan to preserve our traditional culture and historic townscapes.

Stepping into this place, away from our increasingly convenient modern world, I found a life without electricity or running water, lived within walls of mud...

In this simple way of living as a part of nature, I felt gently brought back to the very origins of human life.

[ References ]
・Taos Pueblo Official Site
・UNESCO World Heritage Centre

report by Kayoko B.