Gallup in McKinley County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Women's Multicultural Mural

Erica Rae Sykes, Muralist, 2005

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2016

1. Women's Multicultural Mural Marker

Inscription. Centuries before Gallup's founding in 1881 this was a region of interweaving native cultures, Navajo, Hopi and Zuni. Resources of coal, timber, railroads and trading attracted settlers who created a city of increasing cultural diversity.

We offer a tribute to the women who have carried on the traditions of daily life of their own cultures, raising children, making gardens and neighborhoods. Women have perpetuated arts of cooking, sewing, weaving, dancing and the rituals of special holidays. Women have had a major role in forming our cultural organizations, churches, schools, and libraries.

The large symbolic storyteller at the left of the mural pays homage to women who have kept multi-cultural memories alive by telling stories of the past. Community members who guided the development of this mural are
Angela Chavez, Jonni Chavez, Priscilla Diaz, Milagros Padilla, and Jack Starkovich
Reproduction rights belong to the city of Gallup

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 35° 31.581′ N, 108° 44.535′ W. Marker is in Gallup, New Mexico, in McKinley County. Marker is at the intersection

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of West Aztec Avenue and South 2nd Street (State Route 610), on the left when traveling east on West Aztec Avenue. Marker is mounted at eye-level on the south wall of the Children's Library, facing West Aztec Avenue. The subject mural, which covers most of the south side of the library, is just to the left of this marker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 West Aztec Avenue, Gallup NM 87301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Navajo Code Talkers' Mural (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Zuni (about 500 feet away); Long Walk Home (about 600 feet away); Hoist (about 700 feet away); Gallup's Neon (about 700 feet away); The Rex Hotel (about 800 feet away); Coal Car (about 800 feet away); Balloon Rally (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gallup.

Also see . . .
1. Gallup, New Mexico. The city was founded in 1881 as a railhead for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, and named after David Gallup, a paymaster for the railroad. Gallup is known as the "Heart of Indian Country" or "The Heart of Indians" because it is on the edge of the Navajo reservation and is home to members of many other tribes as well. A substantial percentage of its population is Native American, with residents from the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. (Submitted on April 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2016

2. Women's Multicultural Mural Marker

(marker visible on right side of mural)

2. Differences Between the Hopi, Zuni and Navajo. According to historian Barry M. Prtizker, the American Southwest has been inhabited by people longer than any other part of North America except Mexico and Central America. The Hopi, Zuni and Navajo are among the region's best known tribes. Sharing the same environment has given their cultures similar traits such as agriculture; however, they also have many differences such as religion and language. (Submitted on April 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. Gallup, New Mexico, is a gateway to Native American culture. The Navajo Nation lies at the city’s doorstep. The Pueblo of Zuni is south of the city and the Hopi Reservation lies just over the state line in Arizona. The region’s culture truly shines during the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, when Native Americans from across the Southwest and Mexico flock to the town for a week of pow wows, parades, an all-Indian rodeo, and other events. (Submitted on April 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Women's Multicultural Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2016

3. Women's Multicultural Mural

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.