picuris pueblo new mexico
Picuris Pueblo, or Pikuria (meaning those who paint), as it was named by Spanish Juan de Oñate, was once one of the largest Pueblos. However, their population has declined, making it currently one of the smaller Pueblos with a population around 300. Picuris participated in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and then fought the Spaniards again upon their return in 1692. It is this fighting that most likely lead to such a large drop in population. When the Picuris people returned to their pueblo in 1706 they fought alongside the Spanish against the Apaches and Comanches.
In the past few years, tribal members have restored the 200-year-old San Lorenzo de Picuris Church, located in the center of the pueblo.
The Pueblo is located 24 miles southeast of Taos Pueblo.
1217
Pikuria, "Those Who Paint", is the spanish name for the Picuris Pueblo.
Picuris Pueblo, missions. Photo taken between 1870 and 1900.
View of the mission in the pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico. The building features a stepped parapet with a niche containing a bell, a cross on top of the parapet, a courtyard surrounded by an adobe wall, and an entry gate. Courtesy of the Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library.