History

In the midst of the Pueblo of  Zuni, located 30 miles south of Gallup, NM houses the home of a small wooden statue called El Santo Nino, a representation of Jesus at the age of 12.  The Catholic people of Zuni and the surrounding Spanish-speaking communities revere the statue for many favors received through his intercessions. 

It is believed that the Spanish Franciscans brought the statue to Hawikku (15 miles south of present-day Zuni) in 1628 from Spain as a gift to the new La Purisima Concepcion Church. This church was one of the original churches in the area and the first home of the Santo Nino. In 1670, the statue was moved to Halona (now known as the Zuni Pueblo) to Nuestra Senora de La Candelaria Church. 

During the Pueblo Revolt in 1680, a male member of the family where the statue resides now rescued the Santo Nino from the burning church. The Santo Nino, along with other sacred vessels, and vestments of the catholic church were relocated and hidden in Dowa Yalanne (also known as Corn Mountain.) In 1962, De Vargas unconquered New Mexico, and the Spaniards found the Zunis had preserved such religious church articles as vestments, sacred vessels, and the Santo Nino.

The Zunis believe the Saint is the daughter of the Sun who has tremendous power. In the early years, the Zuni People would host a ceremonial social dance, o:dinne th'ana (the Big Dance), to honor the Santo Nino. The dance would bring people together, young and old, in a day filled with dance and laughter. The statue would be carried in procession to the plaza, and placed in an arbor as two chanters sing and members of the Zuni Council would serve as honor guards. The dance would usually last four(4) days, from sun up to sun down. Today, the social dance is still held in October, however, the saint no longer joins the procession and stays inside her home where dancers go to show their respect.

For hundreds of years, many Spanish-speaking people have made pilgrimages to the Santo Nino de Zuni on Thanksgiving, in petition for the continued well-being of their families, for good health, good marriages, for the birth of male children, and for the safety of their sons in war. Many pilgrimages were made on foot, sometimes barefoot or kneeling.  Most people honor their family's heritage by returning once a year, or once a month while others promise to return within the next 10 or 20 years. 

The Santo Nino is kept in the home of Carol 'Missy' Yatsattie, she inherited the honor of being the head caretaker in August 1998. She is the direct descendant of the two elderly ladies who had zealously guarded the saint, Elaine and Annie Kanesta. It is believed that the family descends from the sacristans of the early church period of Zuni dating back as far as the early 1600s. Missy and her family consider the Santo as another member of their family. They dress her, feed her and put her to bed everynight. One day, her daughters will share the honor of being the caretakers in their own time and their daughters thereafter.

"Tell them they just can't look at the Santo, they have to say a prayer and give her something. It's just like when you see a baby for the first time." said Elaine as she noticed people "examining" or "just looking" at the child. Just as in Zuni tradition when meeting a new baby, gifts would be presented to make her feel welcomed into this world. Offerings would range from money, clothing, jewelry, decorations, food, wood, or other items to show their gratitude to the Santo Nino.

Today, dollar donations help the family pay for utilities, brochures, visitor's hygiene items and other common expenses related to the upkeep of the home.

"It is believed that if you make a promise to the Santo Nino, it must not be broken. You must keep it to the best of your ability. If you don't bad luck will overcome you."

Ruins of Nuestra Senora de La Candelaria Church close to Hawikku.

Zuni Healthy Lifestyles Harvest Dance 2023 (Left to right) Tammy Weebothee, Darral Shack, Dmitry Shack, and Tyra Quetawki

Visiting & Contact Information

VISITATION

Classroom, tour groups, and first-time visitors are encouraged to make an appointment but is not necessary. This is to make sure Missy is available to answer questions.

Santo Nino de Zuni
C/O C.Missy Yatsattie
9B Sunshine Street
P.O. Box 1297
Zuni, NM 87327

Telephone: (505) 495-0522

PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED

DIRECTIONS

The Santo Nino de Zuni is located in the heart of the Zuni Village. The famous historical church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is in her backyard.
When entering the community from either side of State Highway 53 turn South on Pia Mesa Road (the only four-way stop on State Highway 53.) Before the bridge, make a left turn on Sunshine Street. The home of Santo Nino will be found on your left-hand side. You will see a small green street sign atop the doorway of the residence. It is not a church nor a shrine; it is a private residence where everyone is welcome.

Santo Nino DE Zuni

History

Visiting & Contact Information