Pueblo of Santo Domingo before 1881

This photograph of the Pueblo of Santo Domingo, taken by John Karl Hillers, captures the village's architecture, reflecting the harmonious integration of its inhabitants with the land. The dwellings, constructed from adobe brick, cluster together, creating a unified structure, a symbol of communal living. This echoes the ancient ziggurats of Mesopotamia. The architecture reflects a deep connection to the earth and a communal spirit, resembling the way Gothic cathedrals symbolized both earthly and divine unity. We see how this human impulse to create structure and community echoes across cultures and epochs, embodying the psychological need for belonging and stability. Like the labyrinth, these arrangements engage viewers on a profound, subconscious level, suggesting both protection and mystery. The village becomes a testament to human resilience, a recurring theme manifested differently across time, underscoring our continuous search for a home.