History of the Program
Community-based research and education has become a national and international movement that
acknowledges the role of indigenous or local input in the creation of projects and research
design. With this in mind, SMU-in-Taos and the SMU Anthropology department have initiated the
first community-based archaeology field school in the American Southwest. This field school
focuses on the Ranchos de Taos Plaza and surrounding Hispano villages of the Taos region. More
and more, these communities are setting the agenda for archeological research in ways that
resonate with cutting-edge theoretical and methodological initiatives.
Our research, which was
developed with significant community input, focuses on the multi-ethnic history and evolution of
Hispano Penitente Society including the spiritual ecology of penitentism, the role of women in
this largely male-dominated confraternity, and issues of power and identity with reference to
Roman Catholic authorities and surrounding Indian tribes. The Ranchos de Taos community will
use this research to promote traditional values and highlight the heritage and economic concerns
of a village that is struggling with the onslaught of tourism and the rapid gentrification of
village life.
Our program at SMU-in-Taos places students in the middle of a living, traditional village for
the purposes of research and education. They not only excavate in the shadow of the historic
Saint Francis de Asisí Church on the plaza, but also in the homes and backyards of the
villagers. They interact with community members on a daily basis and receive blessings and
instruction in traditional culture by native scholars and village leaders. This includes
participation in communal activities such as the annual plastering of the church and fiesta
preparations. These activities ensure that students understand the scientific and social
value of archaeology and the benefits of working with local communities. Graduate students and
undergraduate honors students participate in scientific research and community outreach projects,
which build on mutual interests and the synergy it creates. In 2007, we offered scholarships and
tuition for two Taos Pueblo high school students to participate in the field school, and we are
currently expanding our donor base to support involvement of local Hispanic youth in this
program.
Photos courtesy Sunday Eiselt.
