Taos Pueblo is an ancient village of Native American origin that dates back over 1000 years. It is a National Historic Landmark and World Heritage Site, and is home to a Native American community of around 150 people. The Taos Pueblo lands as whole has population of nearly 2,000 Tao Indians and covers an area of around 90,000 acres including the sacred Blue Lake.
The village is characterized by its five-story houses made from the traditional mix of water and straw, known as adobe, and wooden roofs are made from pine and aspen. Based on the Native American oral history and studies by archaeologists, the buildings have been dated to between 1000 and 1450 AD. The north and south houses are thought to be the oldest houses to be continually in use in America. The first Spanish explorers believed the Pueblo to be one of the golden cities of Cibola.
There is a 19th century Catholic Church in the Pueblo, and the majority of the Indians are Catholic although they also practice ancient Indian rites. Many of the Indian ceremonies fall on traditional Catholic holy and saint days.
There are many Indian artisans producing contemporary art and crafts that are for sale in the Pueblo. These feature traditional items such as moccasins, boots and drums made from animal skins, plus pottery and silver jewelry. There are also contemporary artists with displays of paintings, photographs and sculptures.
The Indians hold a trade fair in September and have an annual Pow Wow in July. The village is open for guided tours from Monday through Sunday 8.30am—4.30pm.
