The Zuni Pueblo is 40 miles south of Gallup. Zuni land-use area, which included what is now Gallup, has been inhabited since 1,000 BC. By 1350 AD agriculture was fully developed and there were approximately 36 active Zuni pueblos. The Spanish arrived in 1539. In 1680 Zuni joined the Pueblo revolt, defeating the Spanish. After the Spanish re-conquest, the Zuni people consolidated their villages into one site, Halona:wa. For 450 years Zunis have lived under colonial rule by Spain, Mexico and finally, the U.S. Epidemics reduced the Zuni population. Clear-cutting, over-grazing, and erosion all but destroyed Zuni agriculture. Throughout 3,000 years, the Zunis have maintained their culture. They create exquisite turquoise and silver jewelry. They speak a unique language. The Zuni people have preserved their religion and kept their sovereignty as a nation. Community members who guided the development of this mural are Mary Browder, Donnie Dosedo, Valerie Epaloose, Betty Martin, Melissa Ohmsatte, and Edward Wemytewa. The mural was completed in 2005. Geddy Epaloose, a Zuni Pueblo muralist, skillfully employs the classical method of building to the light out of an earthen darkness, a technique well suited to the symbolism of the mural and the story of the ancient culture of which he is a part. Geddy's other work includes a series of historical murals for the A:shiwi A:wan Museum at Zuni, painted in 2002. He has won several awards at Zuni, Sedona and Flagstaff.