#acoma sky city

[nmnomad]

"Acoma Pueblo is built atop a sheer-walled, 367-foot sandstone bluff in a valley studded with sacred, towering monoliths. Since 1150 A.D., Acoma Sky City has earned the reputation as the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America.

[pinkflipphonez]

• pueblo acoma, nm

on our way to albuquerque, we were able to tour the beautiful sky city in the mesa! acoma natives have lived in the mesa for over 2000 years. I'm still so amazed by that.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Shooting the annular eclipse at the Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico was, without a doubt, the most profound and difficult photographic challenge and experience I had ever encountered. The Acoma Pueblo, perched atop its mystical mesa, held an allure like no other place. The sacredness of this ancient site beckoned me to capture an image that was not just aesthetically stunning but culturally significant. It is the longest continuously inhabited community in North America.

Obtaining permission to shoot on the mesa had been a herculean task in itself. The elders of the Acoma Tribe are understandably protective of their sacred grounds. It isn't a place where you just walk up and shoot. I had sent emails, made phone calls and left messages weeks ahead of time and it wasn't until a mere 15 minutes before the start of eclipse was to grace the sky, that a young member of the tribe, Jonah Chino, who worked with the dancers came through and granted their blessing and took her niece Ky'Mya Vallo and I up the mesa. The anticipation and tension in the air were palpable as I truly thought it was not going to happen.

As I lifted up my camera to shoot, a sense of gratitude washed over me, knowing that I had been entrusted with this incredible opportunity. I wasn't alone in this endeavor; I was working closely with the Sky City Buffalo Dancers from the Acoma Tribe and their leader Shane Keene. Their presence was like a bridge between the ancient traditions and the modern lens. Their rhythmic dances and ancient chants seemed to synchronize with the celestial ballet about to unfold.

The moments leading up to the eclipse were surreal, with a profound stillness in the air. As the moon began its graceful dance in front of the sun, I knew that the images I sought were not only the result of luck and passion but also the cooperation of the beautiful Acoma People. They had shared their sacred space and their heritage with me, allowing my lens to capture a moment where ancient wisdom and cosmic wonder intertwined.

In the poetic parlance, the female dancer in the Acoma traditional dance assumes a role of profound significance. They, the daughters of the earth, embody the very essence of fertility and motherhood. In their choreographic offerings, they grace the world with elegance and fluidity, their vibrant costumes adorned with the feathers, the tinkling of bells, and the visages of animal spirits.

Yet beyond this, their celestial charge extends to the Butterfly Dance. A ritual of healing, it beseeches the ethereal realm to mend the souls. Arrayed in butterfly wings and traditional garb, they exhibit the choreography of grace incarnate, invoking the tender spirits of the butterflies to mend the suffering soul.

Their function, however, transcends the earth. These female dancers ascend to a spiritual station of utmost importance. They serve as conduits to the unseen, incarnating spirits, their dances, a cryptic tongue for communion with the ethereal domain.

The resulting images were more than just photographs; they were a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition, nature, and modern artistry. They tell a story of unity, where the past met the present, and the eclipse became a bridge connecting cultures, generations, and the awe of the cosmos. I feel very blessed to have been there. Also, I was very blessed to be there with my lovely wife Hollee.

The diffuculty was due to the extreme differences in exposing the backlit foreground and the very bright Eclipse, compounded by the very high and far above the horizon apex timing at 10:35 MST. Finding a location for the foreground subject was incredibly difficult. Getting permission was incredibly difficult. Having no pre-run the day before made it incredibly difficult.

Camera Sony A7r3 Lens FE 4.5-5.6 100-400 GM

Filter -10 stop and -2 stop hand held and stacked (that is what caused the prism aberrations/lens flares) There is a reason that there are very few images with foreground subjects on this eclipse.

Support the Acoma People. Visit their pueblo, buy their beautiful ceramic pots, support their causes, and show them respect they deserve it.

[Pictures of New Mexico] :: [Rick Armstrong]

[abusabat]

location: acoma

after  the  amazing  flight  to  the  sky  city,  everything  else  aside  from  archery  seemed  to  be  sending  waaiz  into  orbit.  he  decided  to  change  into  something  a  little  more  breezy.  the  man  was  now  sporting  a  red  jockstrap  and  a  pair  of  3  inch  pink  shorts.  then  he  tossed  on  a  loose  black  crop  tee  so  he  could  fully  be  comfortable.  in  his  new  outfit,  he  grabbed  a  pair  of  pom  poms  and  headed  out  to  the  others  again.  “y'know  what's  funny?”  this  outfit  was  starting  to  look  more  like  he  was  the  new  cheerleader.  “i've  never  done  cheerleading,  always  stuck  to  ballet  or  gymnastics,  and  here  i  am  cheering  on  several  people  now.”  that's  how  he  channeled  his  energy  after  losing.  he  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  looked  over  at  the  other.  “do  you  need  a  cheerleader  or  are  you  going  to  help  me  snoop  around?”

[elegomez]

do you know one of my favorite art pieces in the world. It was being sold by the mother of a teen girl in Acoma Sky City. The teen had put anime/Manga styles on pueblo-style pots and plates and small disks. wish so much I'd bought one.

point of this post: interpreting the art from other people's cultures with your own culture is fine and should be encouraged. live and have fun.

[nmnomad]

According to oral history, the Acoma people lived on top of Enchanted Mesa before moving to their current village atop White Rock Mesa. In the summer, everyone would descend from the mesa to tend crops. The fields, and the springs that provided water, were in the valley below. According to legends, a thunderstorm washed away the sole access, leaving sheer rock cliffs all the way around, so they moved to a neighboring mesa, aka present-day Acoma Sky City.

[sumittrippybug]

Things To Do In New Mexico

In the heart of the American Southwest, lies a state rich in culture, history, and natural beauty—New Mexico. From its vibrant cities to its sprawling deserts and majestic mountains, there is no shortage of things to do in New Mexico, making it a haven for explorers and adventure seekers.

When exploring New Mexico, the possibilities are endless. Begin your journey in Santa Fe, the state's capital, where you can immerse yourself in the rich art scene and visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Explore the historic Plaza, lined with charming adobe buildings and vibrant markets showcasing Native American crafts.

Venture further to Taos, a town renowned for its artistic spirit and stunning landscapes. Take a stroll through the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and indulge in the local cuisine that blends Native American, Spanish, and Mexican flavors.

For nature enthusiasts, the possibilities in New Mexico are boundless. Visit the mesmerizing Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where you can explore an underground world of stunning limestone formations and witness the famous bat flights. Embark on a hike in the Bandelier National Monument, where ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the lives of the ancestral Pueblo people.

No trip to New Mexico would be complete without a visit to Albuquerque, the state's largest city. Experience the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of colorful hot air balloons fill the sky in a breathtaking display. Explore the Old Town, a hub of history and culture, where Spanish and Native American influences blend seamlessly.

As you venture into the southern part of the state, be sure to visit White Sands National Park. Marvel at the endless stretches of white gypsum sand dunes, which create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Take a hike or try sandboarding, an exhilarating activity that allows you to glide down the soft slopes.

New Mexico is also renowned for its rich Native American heritage. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, where you can learn about the history and traditions of the state's diverse Native American tribes. Experience the beauty and spirituality of the Acoma Pueblo, known as "Sky City," perched atop a towering mesa.

For stargazers, New Mexico offers unparalleled opportunities for stargazing and astronomy. Head to the International Dark Sky Sanctuary at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, where the absence of light pollution allows for a stunning celestial display. Witness the mesmerizing beauty of the night sky and feel a deep connection to the universe.

In New Mexico, the possibilities for adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion are endless. From exploring ancient ruins to hiking through breathtaking landscapes, there are countless things to do in New Mexico. Immerse yourself in the unique blend of cultures, savor the flavors of the Southwest, and embrace the spirit of exploration that defines this captivating state. New Mexico invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of New Mexico.

[abusabat]

“That's  commendable  at  least.  The  island  can  rest  assured  knowing  that  they  have  a  real  one.”  Giving  up  the  island  for  a  sky  city  with  dragons  was  a  hard  choice.  If  he  had  actually  bonded  with  any  of  them,  he  didn't  know  if  he  could  tear  himself  away.  Then  again,  he  didn't  know  the  bonds  the  man  had  to  the  island.

“Who  knows,  maybe  by  the  time  you  come  back  you'll  have  something  else  to  bring  to  the  city.  A  dragon  of  your  own  perhaps?”  Waaiz  furrowed  his  brows  together.  He  was  well  aware  that  people  considered  them  to  be  endangered,  but  that  still  didn't  mean  there  weren't  anymore  outside  of  Acoma.  Including  the  one  that  was  stolen.

"Tempting. Very tempting, but I'm a man of my word." Kol chuckled adding another garland of frozen wild flowers to the statues. It wasn't much but it was something beautiful that he could create. All his life he'd been part of so much blood and pain and war, it was nice to give back something beautiful for a change.

"I agreed to fight for the ark so until that's no longer needed Acoma will sadly have to wait. Perhaps one day I can come back, if I'm not already dead by then." He shrugged, the wintery demigod never one to mince words, he was too old for games like that and had never been much of a person for that kind of thing anyway.

[joshrandell]

Sky City, Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico. This is my daughter’s tribe.

[blevinsfotografic]

Door

Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico

Hasselblad 500 C/M

2018

[abusabat]

moderation:  waaiz  finally  goes  out  dragon  hunting

with  everything  that  he's  planning  in  his  mind,  tethering  himself  to  spirits  and  challenging  the  siphoner,  he  realizes  that  he's  going  to  need  some  help.  he  doesn't  want  to  be  a  burden  to  the  half  gods  either.  waaiz  begins  to  do  what  he  does  best  and  throws  himself  into  his  studies.  he  reads  erasmo's  journal  as  many  times  as  he  needs  to  in  order  for  it  to  stick  in  his  brain.  how  the  man  found  cetar  with  kiara.  how  he  raised  her  to  be  the  dragon  they  all  know  and  love  (some,  fear)  today.

he  takes  a  moment  to  let  all  of  that  knowledge  sink  in  and  then  wonders  if  anyone  else  would  like  to  read  it.  he  ends  up  using  the  acoma  library  box  to  clone  the  book  he  then  drops  off  the  cloned  book  at  aleki's  cabin,  knowing  that  he  bonded  with  the  man  while  they  were  in  the  sky  city.

finally,  waaiz  heads  on  over  to  the  stables  and  approaches  a  winged  lion.  he  takes  out  his  draconish  compass  and  tries  to  activate  it.  he  hopes  to  find  a  dragon  companion  in  the  next  couple  of  hours  so  he  can  help  protect  camp  some  more,  since  clearly  he  loves  to  put  them  in  harms  way.

[tonyguillermo-blog]

Bricks & Mortar

[shonvio]

New tees available in women’s and men’s fashion styles, in all colors, and sizes up to 5X.  Come see our cool store.

[vintageviewmaster]

Caption: ACOMA PUEBLO, “THE SKY CITY” AND ENCHANTED MESA

Booklet Description: 3. ACOMA PUEBLO is said to be the oldest continuously occupied village in the United States. The Sky City is situated on a sandstone tableland 400 feet above the surrounding plains. The village was formerly accessible only by ladders and toe and finger holes cut in the solid rock.

Brand: View-Master Packet Title: New Mexico Reel Title: New Mexico U.S.A. Reel Subtitle: Land of Enchantment Reel Number: N. MEX-2 Image Number: 3 Date: 1957

[nmnomad]

Then and Now: Visiting Acoma Pueblo (Sky City)