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

Zuni Olla Maidens - Zuni Pueblo

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 24, 2010

1. Zuni Olla Maidens Zuni Pueblo Marker

Inscription. The Zuni Olla Maidens are an all-women's group renowned for their skill and ability to balance fragile water jars or ollas on their heads. Historically, Zuni women collected water in ollas from nearby springs for everyday use. Today, they perform in parades and community events, walking with water jars placed on their heads while singing their own compositions and those traditionally sung by Zuni men.

Erected 2006 by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Women.

Location. 35° 5.355′ N, 108° 45.857′ W. Marker is near Zuni, New Mexico, in McKinley County. It is on State Road 53 at milepost 17, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Zuni NM 87327, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Mexico’s San Juan Basin.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pueblo of Zuni (approx. 2.9 miles away); a different marker also named Pueblo of Zuni (approx. 5.7 miles away).

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Rear of Zuni Olla Maidens Zuni Pueblo Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 24, 2010

2. Rear of Zuni Olla Maidens Zuni Pueblo Marker

New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative
The New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative was founded in 2005 by members of the New Mexico Women's Forum in a statewide effort to recognize women's contributions to New Mexico history on the state's Official Scenic Historic Markers. The Initiative ensures that women's diverse histories will be remembered and told, and will inspire and provide a guide for future generations. The 2006 Legislature funded the project.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 24, 2010

3. Zuni Olla Maidens Zuni Pueblo Marker

View east on Hwy 53.

Photographed by Edward S. Curtis

4. Zuni Pueblo

Photo originally published in The North American Indian- Date unknown
Library of Congress - Edward S. Curtis Collection.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,731 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on October 8, 2010. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.