Lava Shadows in Albuquerque in Bernalillo County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
A Proud Tradition
The first permanent Spanish settlement brought new foods and cooking methods to the region in the late 1500s. Wheat became an important staple because it was easier than corn for making bread. Pueblo men learned to harvest wheat while the woman were taught to build hornos, beehive-shaped ovens used for bread-making.
From village to village, the hornos vary in construction materials and techniques. Using mortar, either rocks or adobe bricks are layered in a circular shape over a stone base. An arched doorway is created in front and a small hole is formed for a vent. Finally the hornos are plastered inside and out with adobe mud. With great care, the hornos can last for many years.
Today Pueblo people continue the proud tradition of baking bread in their hornos, as they have done for centuries.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans.
Location. 35° 8.345′ N, 106° 42.665′ W. Marker is in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Bernalillo County. It is in Lava Shadows. Marker can be reached from Western Trail NW near Unser Boulevard NW (State Highway 245). Marker is located at the Petroglyph National Monument Visitors Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6001 Unser Boulevard NW, Albuquerque NM 87120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Legacy of the Atrisco Land Grant (a few steps from this marker); The Measuring Lady (within shouting distance of this marker); One of the Largest Petroglyph Sites (within shouting distance of this marker); Mesa Point Trail (approx. 1˝ miles away); a different marker also named Mesa Point Trail (approx. 1˝ miles away); a different marker also named Mesa Point Trail (approx. 1˝ miles away); Boca Negra Canyon (approx. 1˝ miles away); a different marker also named Mesa Point Trail (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albuquerque.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 424 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 17, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 2. submitted on July 15, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.