Cochiti

Who are the Cochiti?

The Cochiti are one of the Keres-speaking Pueblo peoples of northern New Mexico. Their community is centered at Cochiti Pueblo, which is both a village and the seat of their tribal government. They are bound together by their shared language, Eastern Keres, and by traditions that include pottery, farming, and annual ceremonies. The Cochiti maintain a strong sense of identity rooted in their ancestral lands and their history of resilience.

Where do the Cochiti live?

Cochiti Pueblo is located about 22 miles southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, near the Rio Grande. Their reservation covers over 53,000 acres, including areas close to the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. The land is semi-arid, with mesas, canyons, and river valleys, supporting traditional agriculture and providing the clay used in their pottery.

What language do the Cochiti speak?

The Cochiti speak Eastern Keres, a dialect of the Keresan language, which is a language isolate—meaning it is not related to any other known language family. The community has established the Keres Children's Learning Center, an immersion school to help preserve and revitalize their language among younger generations.

How do the Cochiti live?

Traditionally, the Cochiti have farmed the land, growing crops suited to the dry climate. They are especially known for their pottery, using local clay and traditional techniques to create both utilitarian and decorative pieces. In recent decades, many Cochiti people also work in nearby towns or in tribal enterprises, while crafts and art remain important sources of income.

How is Cochiti society organised?

Cochiti society is organized around extended families and community bonds. Households often include several generations, and family ties are central to daily life. Leadership is provided by elected officials, such as the governor and lieutenant governor, who oversee tribal affairs. Community decisions are made through a mix of traditional practices and modern governance.

What do the Cochiti believe?

The Cochiti blend traditional religious practices with Catholicism, a result of Spanish colonial influence. They celebrate an annual feast day for their patron saint, San Buenaventura, on July 14. Pottery and art are deeply connected to their beliefs, with designs and motifs reflecting cultural stories and spiritual values.

The history of the Cochiti

The Cochiti trace their ancestry to the Ancestral Puebloans of the Pajarito Plateau. After Spanish colonization in 1598, they faced forced labor, religious suppression, and violence. The Cochiti took part in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, a major uprising against Spanish rule. After periods of displacement, they returned to their homeland, where they have maintained their community and traditions.

Cochiti life today

Today, the Cochiti number around 500 and continue to live on their reservation in New Mexico. They are a federally recognized tribe and work to protect their land, language, and culture. The community faces economic challenges but is active in cultural preservation, education, and the arts, especially pottery, which has gained international recognition.

Questions people ask about the Cochiti

Sources and further reading

• Cochiti, New Mexico on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• 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 Cochiti themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.