I am fortunate to meet and interact with truly amazing people in my Cherokee silversmithing journey. I was contacted by an Acoma Pueblo Citizen, about a Tribal ID pendant, representing his tribe. I learned of his people, and found out as much as I could so I could do a meaningful design for him. He has a Zia and Bear Paw clan tattoo and it gave me a place to start. In my looking for information, I was absolutely amazed at the Acoma Pueblo history, where they lived, and their resourcefulness. I am truly blessed to meet the people I have come to know. His pendant is on its way to him. Wado ginali, Brother. Marcus
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Acoma Pueblo is approximately 60 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The population is only approximately 5000 members.
Some History:
Hernando de Alvarado of conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado's expedition described the Pueblo in 1540 as "a very strange place built upon solid rock" and "one of the strongest places we have seen." The village was very strong, because it was up on a rock out of reach, having steep sides in every direction... There was only one entrance by a stairway built by hand... There was a broad stairway of about 200 steps, then a stretch of about 100 narrower steps and at the top they had to go up about three times as high as a man by means of holes in the rock, in which they put the points of their feet, holding on at the same time by their hands. There was a wall of large and small stones at the top, which they could roll down without showing themselves, so that no army could possibly be strong enough to capture the village. On the top they had room to sow and store a large amount of corn, and cisterns to collect snow and water.
About 60 years after this encounter, The Acoma Massacre was undertaken by Spanish conquistadors at the Acoma Pueblo in January, 1599. Around 500 Acoma men and 300 women and children were killed during the three-day onslaught. Of the Acoma who survived the attack, many were sentenced to 20-year terms of bondage, and 24 suffered amputations. Hard to imagine, and painful to relay this, but it is in our history not to be forgotten. It continues even in this modern day worldwide - man's inhumanity to man, primarily for greed and power over others. And yet, the Acoma are still there... in their Sky City.
Please email me on custom work that may be needed...
marcus@cherokeesilverarts.com for your ideas, design and quote.
I'm putting a placeholder of $350 in the price. Final price can be agreed upon.
and any design and art fees also. Sterling chains, leather cords and custom lengths are available and can be discussed to engrave and personalize your Tribal ID pendant. .925 Sterling .. approximately 1" in diameter and highly polished.
Time required will be agreed on also.
Wado! Marcus
Marcus E. Williams, Cherokee citizen Artist - Made in Tahlequah Oklahoma
