Acoma Pueblo Local Custom Tips by kymbanm

On our tour, we were very lucky. Our guide, Dale, is the matriarch of her clan.

She explained to us that women of Acoma hold the power: they own the land, make the decisions, bear and raise the children, and maintain the traditions of the pueblo.

Traditions are passed on from the matriarch to her youngest daughter to prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Children are raised understanding that this is just the way it is .... and the youngest daughter is afforded the same respect and deference that the matriarch receives.

At the time the matriarch determines, she may pass on her role to her successor. At that point she moves from the mesa, and relinguishes all claims on the family property and belongings. She will never live on the mesa again, but may return for visits and celebrations. If the matriarch dies before succession, the title of matriarch is automatically bestowed upon her youngest daughter. If there is no daughter, the role passes to the youngest grand-daughter.

In this manner, the traditions and language of Acoma have been kept alive for centuries ... and will live for centuries more.

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Although I can't remember any of the Keresan phrases I heard this day ..... I do remember certain aspects of their greeting that I found unusual.

Instead of saying 'Hello', they state whatever the person is doing at that time ........ 'You're taking a picture there', or 'You're standing there'. This is accompanied with a smile, and at times, grasping of hands. In their worldview, it is important to acknowledge the person in what they are doing at that moment - to recognize their individuality.

Now, a single Acoma boy, looking for a mate may have three questions/statements for a girl he fanices ......
"You're standing there"
"Are you the youngest daughter?"
"Will you marry me?"

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At various points in the tour, we noticed both round, and rectangular, indentations. We were informed that these are old grinding stones. Most are placed directly outside of the doors of various residences .... for ease of access. The most common uses of these grinding stones was to grind corn into meal, and chile into powder. Though only used for ceremonial purposes these days ...... they are still special to the history of Acoma.

When I returned in early 2006, it was just a few days after a big festival. I noticed some partially burned material in one of the indentations. Our guide that day wouldn't tell me what it was, but use your imagination and decide for yourself :)

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February -- Governor's Feast at Old Acoma
March/April -- Easter Celebration at Acomita and McCartys. Usually closed at Old Acoma
May -- 1st Sunday, Santa Maria Feast at McCartys.
Date Flexible -- Annual Arts & Craft Festivities, Tourist Visitor Center.
August 10 -- Feast Day in Acomita -- Saint Lorenzo's Day
September 2 -- Harvest Dance & Annual Feast of San Estevan at Old Acoma.
December 25-28 -- Christmas Festivals at San Estevan del Rey Mission at Old Acoma

From the referenced website.

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Website: http://www.acomazuni.com/acoma.cfm