Excavating Querencia: Land Grant Archaeology in New Mexico

In northern New Mexico, “querencia” is a folk concept used to express a sense of longing for and belonging to a specific place. For many Spanish and Mexican land grant heirs, querencia is an essential part of cultural identity; heirs are defined by their connection to a shared homeland, which is the site and setting of their cultural heritage. In this talk, Dr. Jenks will dig into the meaning of querencia by describing what they have learned through collaborative archaeological research on the Cañón de Carnué Land Grant. Most of this research focuses on the plaza of San Miguel de Loredo, settled by grantees in 1763 and abandoned seven years later following a devastating attack. This project offers new insights into the histories connected with this land grant. It also challenges us to consider how we might apply the concept of querencia in our management of heritage sites.

The event will begin with light refreshments and a live music performance by Nacha Mendez from 5:00-5:30 pm. Nacha received a New Mexico Platinum Music Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

All proceeds from this event will support education and research initiatives at the Office of Archaeological Studies. Tickets are $20/person.

Dr. Kelly Jenks is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of the University Museum at New Mexico State University. She specializes in historical archaeology, and is particularly interested in the relationship between everyday objects and identity in multicultural settings. Most of her research has focused on Spanish and Mexican-period land grant communities in New Mexico, including San Miguel del Vado and Cañón de Carnué.

Image 1: Students screen dirt into an old trench in the roomblock south of the plaza.

Image 2: 18th-century room floor and corner fireplace exposed in a test unit at San Miguel de Carnué.

Image 3: Dr. Kelly Jenks

Image 4: Field school students finish their morning notes under a tree in the plaza.

Image 4: https://www.canondecarnuelandgrant.org/index.php/map-then-and-now/

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