"Matriarcal Society ....." Top 5 Page for this destination Acoma Pueblo Local Custom Tip 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.