The Religious Life of the Zuñi Child by Matilda Coxe Evans Stevenson
page 21 of 32 (65%)
page 21 of 32 (65%)
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KÅ-lÅ-oo-wÄt-si is put through the opening in the side wall of the
kiva, when all who choose may look upon it. Behind this creature the old priest stands and blows through the body, making the same peculiar noise, representing the roaring of a sea monster, that he has kept up throughout the night. The image is only seen by the uncertain light of the faintest impression of day. PÄ-oo-tÄ«-wa remains with the KÅ-lÅ-oo-wÄt-si in the Kiva of the Earth. At sunrise the Sä-lä-mÅ-bÄ«-ya go to this kiva, each bearing the plume stick made on the sixth day and an ear of corn. The Sä-lä-mÅ-bÄ«-ya of the North first advances to the priest of the KÅ-lÅ-oo-wÄt-si and, presenting him with the plumes and ear of yellow corn, prays that the KÅ-lÅ-oo-wÄt-si will give to his people the seeds of the earth; the Sä-lä-mÅ-bÄ«-ya of the West next approaches, presenting his wand and an ear of blue corn, praying that the KÅ-lÅ-oo-wÄt-si will bring to his people the seeds of the earth; and so the red corn of the South, the white of the East, the all-color of the Heavens and the black of the Earth are presented with the same prayer. The Sä-lä-mÅ-bÄ«-ya remove their masks after entering the kiva, when they immediately lose their identity as the KÅk-kÅ. They are merely men now, praying to the KÅk-kÅ. This ceremony over, they return to their respective kivas, having put on their masks before leaving the Kiva of the Earth. At this time the [t]SÄ«-[t]sÄ«-[t]ki partially ascends the ladder of the Kiva of the North, remaining just inside of the hatchway, and, holding the rabbit to his mouth, calls through the reed: "Your little grandfather is hungry; he wishes something to eat; bring him some stewed meat." The KÅ-yÄ-mÄ-shi, in obedience to the request of the little grandfather, go to the homes of the children to be initiated, calling for food. At the same time the KÅ-yÄ-mÄ-shi give to each |
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