Luis Tupatu

Luis Tupatu, also known as Luis Tupatú, was a Pueblo leader of the northern pueblos during the period following the expulsion of the Spanish from New Mexico following the Pueblo revolt. He was from Picuris Pueblo and took over the leadership position from Po'pay.^[1]

Luis Tupatu was a member of the community of Pueblo Indians, but he had some relatives of Spanish origin who had come as settlers to New Mexico. This is the case of his uncle, Miguel Luján, who was among the Captains of soldiers that accompanied Vargas in 1692 and his wife belonged to a family formed by Tewa Indians, Criollos Spaniards, and mestizos. He negotiated with Diego de Vargas, governor of New Mexico at this time, to get that set up a plan to stop the fighting between Pecos Indians and Taos Indians. The business of peace for both peoples was a success because of the need to avoid further Amerindian attacks which were reflected in the serious Apache attacks against the Pueblos and clashes between the themselves tribes Pueblo. All this damaged the welfare of state residents. In addition, Tupatú was well regarded by Vargas and the Spanish government, already that he was represented an ally to preserve the peace in New Mexico. Also some of Vargas's soldiers and some settlers who fled to El Paso in 1680, were relatives of the Pueblo Indians. Later, in Santa Fe, Luis Tupatú was officially appointed governor of thirteen villages of Northern New Mexico. Thus, the month after his appointment, he earned a written title and a cane that symbolized his authority. In 1680, he led a rebellion of the Picuris Pueblo Indians, to whom also he ruled.^[2]

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