Acoma

Who are the Acoma?

The Acoma are a Pueblo people who have lived for over 2,000 years in what is now western New Mexico. Their main settlement, Acoma Pueblo or Sky City, is built atop a 365-foot-high mesa and is known for its unique architecture and long history. The Acoma are united by their Keres language, shared traditions, and a deep connection to their ancestral land. Today, the community includes several villages and maintains a distinct identity as a federally recognized tribe.

Where do the Acoma live?

Acoma Pueblo is located about 60 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, on a large mesa that rises sharply from the surrounding desert. The mesa provided natural defense and isolation, helping the community survive for centuries. The region is arid, with open skies, sandstone formations, and sparse vegetation. The Acoma’s historic land once covered about 5 million acres, but today most of the community lives within the Acoma Indian Reservation.

What language do the Acoma speak?

The Acoma speak a western dialect of the Keresan language, which is unique to several Pueblo communities in New Mexico. Most Acoma people today are bilingual in Acoma and English, and some elders also speak a local form of New Mexican Spanish. The Acoma language remains central to cultural life, though like many Indigenous languages, it faces pressures from English.

How do the Acoma live?

Traditionally, the Acoma have been farmers, growing crops such as corn, beans, and squash in the arid landscape. They also raise turkeys and gather wild foods. The mesa-top village is famous for its multi-story adobe and stone dwellings. Pottery-making is a well-known craft, with Acoma pottery prized for its thin walls and intricate designs. Today, many Acoma also work in tourism, arts, and other enterprises.

How is Acoma society organised?

Acoma society is organized around extended families and clans, with traditions passed down through generations. Decision-making often involves elders and community leaders. Marriage and kinship ties help maintain social cohesion. The community values respect for elders, collective responsibility, and the preservation of cultural practices.

What do the Acoma believe?

Acoma beliefs blend traditional Pueblo spirituality with influences from Catholicism, introduced by Spanish missionaries. Rituals, dances, and ceremonies mark the agricultural calendar and honor ancestral spirits. Art and pottery are important expressions of identity. Dress for ceremonies includes traditional garments and jewelry, often featuring turquoise.

The history of the Acoma

The Acoma trace their origins to the Ancestral Puebloans and have lived on their mesa for over a millennium. Spanish explorers first visited in the 16th century, leading to violent conflict. In 1599, Spanish forces attacked Acoma, resulting in a massacre and harsh punishments for survivors. Despite this, the Acoma rebuilt their community and adapted to Spanish rule, later participating in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Over the centuries, they faced disease, raids, and loss of land, but maintained their identity and traditions.

Acoma life today

Today, the Acoma number around 3,000 to 5,000 people. They retain federal recognition and control over their reservation. Sky City remains a living village and a symbol of resilience, attracting visitors interested in its history and culture. The Acoma continue to face challenges such as language preservation and economic development, but work actively to sustain their heritage.

Questions people ask about the Acoma

Sources and further reading

• Acoma Pueblo on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Acoma themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.