The
rainbow, with its auspicious blending of colors, is the harbinger of
good fortune in many cultures. This is especially true of the native
tribes in the rain-starved areas of the American southwest.
It's the rainbow-like blending of cultures - Native Indian, Spanish
and Anglo-American - that enhances the "land of enchantment,"
the state of New Mexico.
Each culture has made a discernible contribution to the state's food,
music, religion, art, architecture, traditions and attitudes. The native
tribes of the southwest manifest an admirable pride in their culture
and heritage and nowhere is that pride more in evidence than in the
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in the state's largest city, Albuquerque
(population, 500,000). Owned and operated by the Pueblo Tribes of New
Mexico, the museum exhibits a vast collection that traces the development
of the pueblo culture. The center is the richest resource for the study
of America's first inhabitants in the southwest.
The lower level of the museum tells the story of the Pueblo Indians
from prehistoric times to the present through displays of ancient artifacts.
The upper level is divided into 19 alcoves, one for each of the region's
pueblo tribes, explaining their culture through their art and crafts.
Officials of the center point with particular pride to their collection
of original paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, musical instruments
and woven rugs. They emphasize that strict standards are applied to
every entry and only the finest quality work is represented. Visitors
have the satisfaction of knowing that the profits from all purchases
go directly to the native craftspeople.
During the summer the center proudly features Indian dances. The dances
are wonderfully dexterous displays of colorful ancient skills.
The museum also boasts a restaurant that serves first class native Indian
food at very reasonable prices.
Visitors traveling between Albuquerque and beautiful Sante Fe, the state
capital 100 kilometers (60 miles) to the north, should avoid the freeway
and travel on Highway 14, the "Turquoise Trail."
A side trip to the 3,255 meter (10,678ft) high Sandia Crest is a must.
