Tesuque in Santa Fe County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Tesuque Rain Gods
Tesuque Pueblo
Seated clay figurines known as rain gods or "rain catchers" spring from Tesuque Pueblos's deep-rooted figurative pottery tradition. Popularized in the 1880's, Tesuque women made and sold the figurines in a variety of colors and designs, and earned income by selling them to curio dealers and tourists. Rain gods typically hold pots while other gods hold children, animals and other objects. The tradition is practiced to this day.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division and Department of Highways.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans.
Location. 35° 49.509′ N, 105° 58.706′ W. Marker is in Tesuque, New Mexico, in Santa Fe County. Marker can be reached from West Frontage Road (U.S. 285 Frontage Road at milepost 175), 0.2 miles north of Camel Rock Road (Business U.S. 285). Exit 175 U.S. 84/285 West on Camel Rock Road West Frontage Road North .2 mi North end of Camel Rock Rest Area near old picnic ramada. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tesuque NM 87574, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pueblo of Tesuque (a few steps from this marker); Feliciana Tapia Viarrial (1904-1988) (approx. 4.3 miles away); The St. Francis Women's Club (approx. 5.7 miles away); Santa Fe Opera (approx. 6.2 miles away); Jémez Mountains (approx. 8.1 miles away); Maria Montoya Martinez, (Povika, Pond Lily) (approx. 8.7 miles away); Pueblo of San Ildefonso (approx. 8.7 miles away); Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 8.7 miles away).
More about this marker. Marker is immediately east of camel rock.
This marker is part of the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative project.
Also see . . . Tesuque Rain God. McPherson Museum website entry (Submitted on December 23, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,833 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 10, 2010. 2. submitted on December 23, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 10, 2010. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.