Acoma

The residential area of the people of Acoma (Sky City).  This is the oldest continuously occupied area for over 2000 years. Having survived the brutal attack of the Spanish in 1599, today, the people continue to flourish atop the 367′ mesa. 
The residents still capture rain water in three pools that sit within the dwellings. One pool is still contaminated from the algae that Spanish horses left behind. Even today residents carry their drinking water up a steep incline.
The mission was built by the Native people of Acoma in 1629. Men carried “vigas” (40′ x 14″ in diameter) from the San Mateo mountains 30 miles away.
The white door to the mission’s second floor area was used as a classroom for Native children.
Some areas go to a third floor dwelling. Building the extra level can be somewhat daunting as the entire building can move under the stress of construction.
The ladders helped with self defense they allowed residents to climb to higher ground during battle.

Miguel Pino showed talent for art from the early age of 13. He has been a resident artist at the New Mexico State Capital working as part of the Legislative Arts Collection. Now retired, he continues to work toward economic growth and education.