NOTES ON THE PUEBLOS AND THEIR INHABITANTS.* 



By G-. Thompson, Topographer. 



In figure and stature, the people of the pueblos are noble looking and 

 beautifully formed. Generally of medium height, they have complete 

 muscular development* without knottiness or sinewy appearance; their 

 chests are full and deep. Standing easily and lightly on their feet they 

 are erect and graceful. Their countenances are noble and dignified, and I 

 have seen among the men those who were as courtly, polished, and hospita- 

 ble in manner as a Spanish grandee of the olden time. 



Judging from my own experience they are cordial and even jovial in 

 manner toward a stranger. Although probably of one people, each pueblo 

 has its own government. The Oraibe are offended if called Moqui, while 

 the Jemez ridicule the Pueblo of Silla, and believe the Jemez to have been 

 once the only great tribe, and delight to talk of their former numbers and 

 greatness. Notwithstanding the pursuits of this people are of a peaceful 

 and pastoral character, as warriors they have always been valued as allies 

 and dreaded as enemies. For proof of their stubborn and desperate courage, 

 one has only to learn of their resistance to Spanish usurpation, when many 

 a doughty Spaniard went under at Jemez, Ildefonso, and around Santa Fe'. 

 Our own government found them invaluable as allies to act against the 



* Daring the field-seasons of 1S72, '73, and '74, Mi'. Thompson had favorable opportunities for 

 visiting eight of the inhabited jmcblos in New Mexico, and of making examinations of the ruins of 

 four of the ancient jraeblos. While in Southern Utah, in 1873, he also met with indications of the 

 former existence there of a people who were probably of the same stock with the pueblo tribes. The 

 results of his observations were briefly recorded in a manuscript which is here printed. — F. W. P. 



319 



