THE PUEBLO CULTURE JUMANO TIGUA

JUMANO There were two different Jumano groups: the Pueblo Jumano the Plains Jumano Both groups were found in west Texas. The Pueblo Jumano lived in detached homes made of adobe. The Plains Jumano were nomadic hunters and traders.

PLAINS JUMANO The Plains Jumano were nomadic. They lived and roamed in bands. These bands traveled in the areas of New Mexico, west Texas and as far east as the lands of the Caddo. They hunted and traded to survive. The Spanish reports about these natives were very unclear.

PUEBLO JUMANO The Pueblo Jumanos lived in the lower Rio Grande valley. They were farmers, and used natural irrigation to raise their crops long before the Spanish arrived. They grew corn, squash, beans, and other vegetables. Some say they also grew cotton.

PUEBLO JUMANO During a drought their crops failed and they ate edible cactus, and hunted small game (deer and buffalo). Jumano pueblos were unlike any other Texas Native American home. They were large (28’ x 30’) and made of adobe. They had a flat roof. They were made of poles and branches and covered with adobe, They stayed cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and lasted for many years with few repairs.

JUMANO Long before Texas became part of the United States, Jumano settlements practically disappeared. It is believed that some moved to Mexico, and others joined the Apache or the nomadic bands.

TIGUA The Tigua were originally found in New Mexico. They moved to the El Paso area with the Spanish missionaries who set up the first mission in Ysleta. They were recognized by the state of Texas and given a reservation in the El Paso area. Here they preserve their culture and traditions even today.