Hawikku: Echo’s From Our Past

When our ancestors settled in this area, we expanded and developed communities to help increase the land for agriculture, as well as other reasons.  The distance may have helped the different creative approaches to everyday tools now considered art.   

It may be difficult to believe but many of our villages thrived for years before explorer contact.  In Hawikku it is estimated that over 900 people lived in this multi-storied community.  

While many scholars and outside prospectives believe these sites are ruins or no longer occupied.  We have been taught these villages are spiritually active and should be treated with respect.  We always enter and leave with the proper greetings 

Our ancestry's survival may have caught the attention of early explorers who were seeking riches.  The immediate difference of "valuables" were soon to be tested.  

a 1539 expedition who's scout Estevanico, a Moor came to Zuni.  It is believed Estevan violated Zuni morals. The immorality caused a conflict and Estevanico is said to be killed. It is rare Zuni will take life, as it is against our beliefs.  This act is only in defense. 

Fray Marcos De Niza, leader of the expedition heard of Estevanico's fate and returned to Mexico stating they found the fabled "Cities of Gold."  Some wonder if the evening light caused the adobe village to appear golden?  

While Spanish introduction was abrasive and aggressive.  Some important positive resources were introduced.

Spanish introduction and presence also came with new foods and food preparation.  The outside ovens are now a important cooking tool for baking foods, like oven bread. 

Established in 1629 the church at Hawikku was built by our ancestors.  The labor was anything but voluntary.  Subsequently, the church was burned down twice.  The first in 1632 and the last time in 1672. 

After years of cultural oppression and forced conversion to the church.  Zuni along with other Pueblo relatives, our combined ancestry fought to survive.  After the rebellion our people sought refuge atop Dowa Yallanne for 12 years, until our safety was ensured. 

Early assimilation attempts by US government also brought researchers to document our culture.  Many were intrusive and neglected our sensitivities.  Actions that we understood as taboo, our ancestors had to engage in.  

Hawikku's past had prompted the curiosity of Archaeologist Fredrick Webb Hodge.  We have come across corresponding letters that mention, if Hawikku wasn't excavated, it would have been left off our federal trust lands. Our ancestors may not have had a choice. 

The excavations and research caused factions in the village.  One defiant leader communicated his frustrations to outsiders by saying, "We have been studied to death, we know who we are!"  

during the exhibit build, one elder that saw the excavation was interviewed and he, "wondered where they took everything."   Over 30,000 artifacts were taken, including 996 remains of our ancestors. Remains, that will never return from advisement from our elders. 

All loaned artifacts were screened beforehand by community members for Zuni cultural sensitivity. In the early 2000’s, this was the largest loan from the Smithsonian to a source community. Other tribes have or are exploring loans of their cultural materials.

First and foremost was which items can return. Some items, like human remains and other sensitive items will not return, as advised by our elder leadership.  Return of these items may be catastrophic to our spiritual well being. 

We are engaging in a profession that can challenge our traditional beliefs.  We understand the history of Museums can cause uncomfort for our community and strive to create an atmosphere that can create conversations to better guide future generations of Zunis.