Introduction
The United States is known by many analysts to have a very complex historical background. The citizens of the country are also known to have different ethnic backgrounds. This fact explains why “the US is one of the most diverse nations in the world” (Chamanara 28). The indigenous people of this country have interacted and intermarried with different immigrants. However, some native tribes still exist in the country today. Such groups “tend to have unique relationships with the country because they belong to specific bands or nations with treaty rights” (Chamanara 62).
The most interesting aspect of these Native American tribes is their historical background. Several buildings and artifacts have been studied to understand the major historical aspects of such groups. Taos Pueblo stands today as one of the communities believed to have been occupied by these Native American groups. Taos Pueblo is “currently found in Tao, New Mexico” (“Taos Pueblo: Over 1000 Years of Tradition” par. 3). Studies show clearly that the ancient multistoried structure was constructed by the Tiwa tribe. The proposed research will focus on this magnificent community. The study findings will, therefore, examine the structural, social, and functional aspects of Taos Pueblo.
Literature Review
History shows clearly that “many Native American tribes lived in communities known as pueblos” (Woosley 3). Such communities “were characterized by spectacular structures constructed using adobe mud, stone, and other local materials” (Woosley 8). The buildings were comprised of several rooms and apartments. The dwellers used different tools such as ladders to access their respective rooms. This architectural design was embraced to make the structures more secure. Chamara observes that many native tribes occupied similar structures in different parts of North America (83). Some of these pueblos are still occupied by different native-speaking tribes. A good example is the Taos Pueblo.
The natives of America embraced powerful artistic and architectural designs. For instance, Tao Pueblo is “characterized by different adobe houses that have been built close to one another” (“Taos Pueblo: Over 1000 Years of Tradition” par. 2). Some of the houses have been stuck together to form five or more stories (Chamanara 38). One outstanding aspect of the structures is “that the roof of one adobe house becomes the floor for the other one above it” (Keegan 17). The natives used their ideas and skills to come up with such spectacular structures. However, the arrival of different Europeans in America influenced the architectural designs of such buildings.
Taos Pueblo continues to attract many visitors and tourists from different corners of the globe. Many people believe strongly that Tao Pueblo is “the largest structure that still stands today” (“Taos Pueblo: Over 1000 Years of Tradition” par. 5). Its adobe walls are very thick thus making it strong. This strength explains why it has managed to overcome numerous invasions and traumatizing weather conditions. The main role of such thick walls was to increase the level of defense (Keegan 48).
The structure currently houses many homes. Such homes are inhabited by different individuals. Every home in the structure has two small enclosures used as sleeping and living rooms. During the ancient period, many Native Americans and Taos Indians did not embrace the use of handmade furniture. However, such buildings are currently equipped with beds, stools, chairs, and even tables.
The social relevance of such structures explains why they are still being inhabited today. However, modern pueblos do not have waste connections or electricity. This practice has been embraced to support the traditional values and aspects of such structures. The people living in such apartments “have been producing a wide range of traditional works of art” (Littlebird 17). Such artworks include sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. Such artworks are supported by many people because they continue to define the historical and cultural values of these Native Americans. Some native groups also perform various traditional dances. Bodine argues strongly that every generation embraces such as traditional practices (97).
Taos Pueblo is also known to support and promote the traditional practices and religious beliefs of these Native Americans. For instance, traditional religious practices have been performed in this neighborhood for centuries. As well, modern religious practices such as Roman Catholicism are embraced by different people in this community. This fact shows “clearly how such old traditions have been merged with modern religious values” (Bodine 96). Such values have therefore been used to define the social aspects of many native groups. This argument also explains why the cultural history of many Native Americans cannot be properly understood without examining their modern practices.
It is therefore agreed that a detailed study will offer numerous ideas about the history of many Native American tribes. The questions presented below will be used to support the targeted research study. Different primary sources and readings will be consulted to come up with the best findings. The final research paper will examine the social, cultural, and functional aspects of different Native American tribes (Keegan 92).
Study Questions
- What is the position of Taos Pueblo in the eyes of many Native Americans in the country today?
- What ideas and insights can be drawn from this neighborhood regarding the ancient civilizations of different Native American tribes?
- What social, structural, and functional aspects does this community portray the ancient and modern history of different Native Americans?
Research Approach
An analytical study approach will be conducted by targeting different primary sources materials such as maps, newspaper publications, historic photographs, and government documents. Such materials will offer new ideas about the social aspects of Taos Pueblo. The neighborhood will also be examined carefully to understand the lifestyles, social practices, and structural attributes of many Native Americans (Littlebird 11). The study will offer numerous ideas about the history of different Native Americans.
Study Limitations
Several limitations will affect this study. For example, there is limited access to different primary materials. As well, some of the targeted original documents and materials might have been obliterated thus affecting the quality of the study findings.
Conclusion
Taos Pueblo is a magnificent community composed of ancient structures. It has unique structures that detail the social and economic aspects of the Tiwa tribe (“Taos Pueblo: Over 1000 Years of Tradition” par. 5). This tribe embraced unique religious, architectural, social, and cultural practices. That being the case, such pueblos presented the architectural ideas and social practices of the Tiwa-speaking tribe. Such structures were also used for various traditional and religious practices. Bodine argues that such “beliefs and practices have survived until this day” (102). The completed research study will, therefore, identify the best issues, ideas, and practices embraced by different native tribes of America.
Works Cited
Bodine, John. “The Taos Blue Lake Ceremony.” American Indian Quarterly 12.2 (1988): 91-105. Print.
Chamanara, Sohrab. Ancient Pueblo Peoples’ “Anasazi”. New York: Xlibris Corporation, 2010. Print.
Keegan, Marcia. Taos Pueblo and Its Sacred Blue Lake. Santa Fe: Clear Light Publishers, 2010. Print.
Littlebird, Sarracina 2008, Sacred Movement: Dance as Prayer in the Pueblo Cultures of the American Southwest. Web.
Taos Pueblo: Over 1000 Years of Tradition 2015. Web.
Woosley, Anne 1980, Taos Archeology. Web.