Here an Anasazi community was established centuries ago, while later pueblo peoples inhabited the caves which honeycomb the cliff face. The plants that made their existence possible and the tradition of plant use continued by their descendants will be studied. Much of the area ravaged by forest fires in 2000 will be rejuvenating, and will be an excellent place to study geology, fire natural history and plant ecology. High on a plateau between the Rio Grande and the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Taos has been colonised by artists and writers since the 19th century, including D H Lawrence who is buried nearby. Taos Pueblo consists of two separate communities, the north and the south, each with their own ceremonial kiva room.
Families gather in their pueblos to participate in ceremonial dances on feast days.
It is a time of shared hospitality, when strangers as well as friends are welcomed. Photography is usually forbidden on feast days. There will be two days devoted to the excellent museums of Santa Fe, including the Museum of Indian Art and Culture, with its fine collection of Indian pottery and jewellery. The highlight will undoubtedly be our visit to the sealed vaults of the School of American Research, which house a superlative collection of the finest examples of Indian pottery, including many examples of the work of Maria Martinez. The last day will be spent exploring Spanish Market where descendants of Spanish colonists display their traditional decorative arts of carving, painting, jewellery, embroidery and weaving.