Centuries ago, Dowa Yalanne was the only safe ground in a worldwide flood. The sacred mesa, resting high above the endless valley below, provided the Zuni people with one last chance for survival.
As the water levels inched closer and resources diminished, the Zuni people could only pray for deliverance. In response to their pleas, Kolowisi, a water serpent of legend, dedicated his time to providing the people with fresh water and food until the flood dissipated.
Left behind was a faithful people deeply dedicated to a culture unlike any other; but through their unique belief system, these people maintain traits and values shared across all cultures.
Shalako: One of Many Sacred Ceremonies
Zuni is one of the Pueblo tribes located in New Mexico. The tribe’s core beliefs and practices center around the Zuni River and the area’s historically arid landscape; the story of the Great Flood being just a glimpse into their extensive oral tradition. There are entire novels dedicated to their annual traditions, but arguably the most notable religious practice is Shalako.
Shalako is so sacred and monumental that an annually selected family dedicates their entire year to preparing their home and land for the performance. The sacred ceremony is held every December and carries deep religious meaning.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum offers a peek into this immense celebration: “Six men wear wooden frames ten feet tall covered with dance kilts and topped with masks of the face of Shalako, a deity or divine being. They dance through the night, embodying the spirits and visiting specific houses . . . The next day, a ritual race is performed during which offering sticks are planted in the ground to bring general health and fertility to the village, its crops, and livestock.”
Although Shalako is one of the most important celebrations, there are many others held for a similar purpose: to celebrate common beliefs and hope for communal prosperity. Some of these gatherings, often dances and rituals, are not for public viewing, but studying these beautiful ceremonies teaches us more about how these people connect to the world.
Hazy Streets
Although many ceremonies are private, the Zuni people still participate in unique public practices. A tourist walking through the streets of Zuni would likely see smoke hanging around the tightly arranged adobe homes, which is often the result of two common Zuni practices.
First, there is an abundance of clay ovens sprinkled throughout the area. When the people make their traditional sour bread, they set the dough inside these dome-like structures and close the entrance with a stone slab, causing puffs of smoke to float around the village streets.
Second, many people build fires and burn food to aid their deceased ancestors on the long, spiritual journey to the next life. Many believe in gods who carry their burnt offerings from the mortal world at sunrise into spiritual existence at sunset.
Fetishes
Another aspect of Zuni culture that is both sacred and public is their fetishes: small figurines crafted by stonecutters. These fetishes are portable, detailed carvings in the form of animals that often represent gods. They are frequently plated with turquoise and smoothed over with a glossy finish.
A quick visit to the All Tribes Trading Post in the center of the Pueblo is all someone needs to truly understand how detailed these fetishes are—but more noteworthy is how these trading posts allow visitors to visualize the tribe’s culture. Hanging on the walls of the cozy building are paintings of sacred dances or of legendary gods. Below the paintings, covered by a layer of glass, lie hundreds of carvings in the shape of turtles, bears, wolves—you name it.
Daily Life
The daily life in Zuni is very similar to that of people around the globe: Work, school, and recreation fill most days’ time and often reflect each person’s priorities and cultural backgrounds.
Children in school are encouraged to learn the Zuni language—a language that researchers claim to be nearly 7,000 years old and unlike any other. Common careers among the Zuni people include government work, religious vocations, vendor management, and fetish carving. For recreation, children can be seen playing basketball at neighborhood hoops, and many adults participate at the local Zuni Wellness Center.
Visiting Zuni
Zuni is a mere two and a half hours west of Albuquerque, but the difference in cultural practices is remarkable. The small town of around 14,000 people contains a life full of religious significance, unique language, and exquisite art.
The visiting center is situated on the main street, and the guides happily accept new visitors. From there, everything is nearby. Walking through Halona: Idiwan’a (middle village) will feel like traveling through a different world—one full of ancient significance and modern mysticism—and it is a great place to get to know the kind people who live in Zuni.