Tewa Puebloans
The Tewa people, a vibrant and culturally rich group of Pueblo tribes, hold a significant place in the history and heritage of the American Southwest. Belonging to the Tanoan linguistic family, their ancestral lands lie along the Rio Grande, north of the historic city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The name "Tewa" itself, meaning "moccasins," hints at their deep connection to the land and their enduring traditions.
A Legacy Rooted in Ancient Puebloan Culture
Tewa culture shares a tapestry of traditions and customs with other Southwest Pueblos, tracing their origins back to the Ancient Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi. These ancestral people once thrived in the dramatic landscapes of Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado, their influence spreading southward along the upper Rio Grande and Chama Rivers in New Mexico, and the San Juan River in Arizona.
A Society Divided, United by Tradition
In times gone by, each Tewa village was thoughtfully divided into two distinct sections: the Winter people and the Summer people. This division played a crucial role in their governance, with the village chief alternating between the two groups depending on the changing seasons. This unique system reflected the Tewa’s deep understanding of the natural world and their ability to adapt to its rhythms.
Farmers of the Desert, Masters of Trade
The Tewa people were skilled farmers who ingeniously developed hydraulic irrigation systems to nourish their principal crops of maize, beans, and squash. Their agricultural prowess allowed them to thrive in the arid landscape, providing sustenance for their communities. Beyond farming, they were also adept hunters, pursuing deer, bison, elk, rabbits, birds, and other animals to supplement their diet. The land also provided them with an abundance of berries, piñon nuts, wild greens, roots, and other fruits and vegetables, further enriching their lives.
The Tewa were also astute traders, actively participating in an extensive trade network that spanned the Southwest. Their goods were exchanged for items from distant lands, including California, central Mexico, the Lower Mississippi Valley, and the Great Plains to the east. This trade not only brought valuable resources to their communities but also fostered cultural exchange and interaction with other groups.
The Arrival of the Spanish and the Seeds of Conflict
The year 1598 marked a turning point in Tewa history with the arrival of the Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate. He established the Spanish capital of New Mexico at Yunque-Ouinge, a Tewa village strategically located across the river from the San Juan Pueblo (now known as Ohkay Owingeh). Oñate’s arrival brought both new opportunities and challenges for the Tewa people.
Oñate named 11 Tewa pueblos and acknowledged the existence of others, marking the beginning of Spanish influence in the region. The Spanish introduced new crops and livestock to the Tewa, who readily embraced these innovations. Cows, pigs, and chickens became part of their agricultural practices, and new crops and fruits added to their culinary repertoire.
However, the relationship between the Tewa and the Spanish was far from harmonious. The Spanish capital was later moved to San Juan Pueblo, and from there, Oñate and his men subjected the Tewa and other Pueblo peoples to harsh rule. They sought to force their conversion to Catholicism, and missions were established in all the pueblos, often disrupting traditional Tewa beliefs and practices.
Resistance and Rebellion: The Fight for Freedom
The Spanish oppression fueled resentment among the Pueblo peoples, leading to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. This historic uprising, carefully planned and executed, forced the Spanish to retreat south of the Rio Grande, giving the Pueblo people a brief respite from colonial rule.
However, the Spanish were determined to reclaim their territory. In 1692, Diego de Vargas began the reconquest of the Pueblos, leading to further conflict and upheaval. In 1696, a second Pueblo revolt erupted, but it was quickly suppressed by the Spanish. In the aftermath, many Tewa people fled to northeast Arizona, seeking refuge with the Hopi Indians.
These years were marked by increased raids from rival Apache and Navajo groups, who sought food and captives. As these attacks intensified, the Pueblos turned to the Spanish for military assistance, further complicating their relationship with the colonial power.
Resilience and Revival: A People Enduring
By the early 1900s, the Tewa population had dwindled to approximately 1,200. However, their spirit remained unbroken. After the Pueblo Lands Board settled land claims in 1920, the Tewa population began to steadily increase. Between 1950 and 1964, the population in all six Tewa Pueblos nearly doubled, a testament to their resilience and determination to preserve their culture.
The Tewa Today: A Living Culture
Today, the Tewa people primarily reside in the Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Ohkay Owingeh (formerly known as San Juan Pueblo), Santa Clara, and Tesuque Pueblos in northeastern New Mexico. Some descendants also live on the First Mesa Hopi Reservation in Arizona.
The landscape of north-central and northwestern New Mexico is dotted with numerous Pueblo ruins, serving as reminders of the Tewa’s rich ancestral past. These sites, remnants of at least 60 pueblos abandoned in historical times, are tangible links to the Tewa’s heritage and offer insights into their way of life.
The Tewa people have overcome numerous challenges throughout their history, from Spanish colonization to population decline. Yet, they have persevered, maintaining their cultural identity and traditions. Their story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and their legacy continues to inspire. The Tewa Puebloans stand as a living testament to the enduring power of culture and the importance of preserving ancestral heritage.