Night of the Fiesta Taos

Gustave Baumann

This image was one of twelve small color woodcuts Baumann did for a portfolio he titled "The New Mexico Portfolio" in 1924. They were intended to be sold as a set but, in 1924, the economy was sluggish and he sold very few. He decided to break up the portfolios and sell the prints individually, a more successful plan.

Taos Pueblo, http://taospueblo.com/ situated about three miles north of Taos, was built on opposing sides of the Rio Pueblo. Its origin dates to the 900s and the pueblo is the northernmost of the Rio Grande Pueblos and the largest surviving multistoried Pueblo structure in the United States. It has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. Built by hand of sun-dried adobe bricks, it consists of dwellings and ceremonial buildings. Residences are located on the top and outside. The roofs are flat and the Pueblo structure is stepped back allowing the roof of one room to be the terrace for the room above.

Taos Pueblo soars as high as five stories and ladders are still used for entry and privacy. In the past century, doors and windows have been added. Historically, the Taos Pueblo was one of the major centers of trade between the Rio Grande Pueblos and the Plains Indians and was the center of the Great Pueblo Revolt of 1680.

Festivals are held in June, July, September, October and November. San Geronimo Feast Day is held in September and is the largest event of the year and is preceded by San Geronimo Eve Vespers. http://taos.org/art/festivals-events…