Tewa

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A Tewa Indian maiden (signified by the squash-blossom hair style) named Chaiwa, photographed by Edward S. Curtis in 1922

The Tewa are an ethnic group of Pueblo American Indians who speak the Tewa language and share the Pueblo culture. Their homelands are on or near the Rio Grande in New Mexico north of Santa Fe. They comprise the following communities:

• Nambé Pueblo
• Pojoaque Pueblo
• San Ildefonso Pueblo
• San Juan Pueblo
• Santa Clara Pueblo
• Tesuque Pueblo

The Arizona Tewa, descendants of those who fled the Second Pueblo Revolt of 1680-1692, live on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona on the Third Mesa.

[edit] Mythology

In old times the Tewa people relied on a wise warrior called Long Sash. He led them across the Endless Path (the Milky Way). After a time the people grew weary of traveling and began to grumble. Long Sash named the spot The Place of Decision (Gemini) and gave them the choice of going their own way, or following him peacefully. After more traveling time, the people again began to grumble and doubt Long Sash. He put down his headdress (Pleiades) and called the spot The Place of Doubt. Finally he led the Tewa to The Middle Land (Orion's Belt).

[edit] See also

• Popé

[edit] External links

• Collection of Turn of the Century Photographs of Tewa Indians

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