16th Century Ovens in New Mexico

Filed in archive Traditions on April 30, 2007

Two weeks ago we were at the Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico to see the images carved on rock about 500 years ago by the Pueblo Indians' ancestors. At the visitor center you'll see two ovens (called hornos or hurunas which are used to this day for bread-baking Pueblo Indian women. I found a 15-year old article in the New York Times describing this process in more detail. There are pictures and a recipe for Indian Fry Bread here. Read about the Gaussion family's Picuris Feast Day here, when they make cookies and pies in their horno.

The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa -- partnership between Santa Ana Pueblo tribal leaders and the Hyatt Regency corporation -- offers lessons in huruna> bread baking, under the supervision of Tamayame women. If you're ever in the area, it's a great chance to immerse yourself in some centuries-old culture.