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Zuni Pueblo
Zuni, New Mexico's most populated pueblo, was the first native settlement visited in 1540 by Spanish explorers, who thought it was one of the legendary Seven Golden Cities of Cíbola. Today, there is no gold to be found, but there's an abundance of turquoise and silver jewelry for sale in the pueblo, whose in-state population was counted at 7,758 by the Census 2000.
The Zuni people are famous for their needlepoint and inlay jewelry that can be found in shops locally and throughout the Southwest. Plan to visit the Pueblo of Zuni Arts & Crafts, (505) 782-5531, 782-5532.
Built in 1629, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission at the center of the old village can be visited during limited hours. There you will find 24 murals of kachinas painted on the interior walls of the church. Visit the A:shiwi A:wan Museum & Heritage Center and learn about the cultural values of the Zuni people, (505) 782-4403.
Fishing and hunting permits are also available at Zuni area lakes; for more information, call the Zuni Game & Fish Department, (505) 782-5851. Zuni Pueblo is 35 miles (53 km) south of Gallup on N.M. 53.
Zuni Pueblo
P.O. Box 339
Zuni, NM 87327
Phone: (505) 782-4481
Fax: (505) 782-4219
www.ashiwi.net