The Zunis are directly descended from the Anasazi people.
In 1540 A.D, the Spanish explorer Francisco Coronado went in search of the Seven Cities with roads paved of gold. Coronado found the Zuni community, a people of rich traditions, living an agrarian existence raising corn, beans and other vegetable, but he found no mineral resources such as gold.
The Spanish quickly conquered the Zuni people. The Spanish were not so successful in forcing the Zunis to accept Roman Catholicism. The Zunis continued to perform their religious ceremonies in their hidden kivas or ceremonial rooms.
Today, the Zuni people cherish their religious and clan ties. They are know for their generosity to travelers. The Zuni Pueblo is one of the few pueblos where outsiders are permitted to view some of the sacred Kachina dances.
The Zunis are well-known for their
animal fetish carvings , pottery and jewelry.
