A study of the group of Katcina ceremonials as compared with the Kóko
brings out in prominence the conclusion that while some of them may be
identical, as a rule there is considerable difference in the ritual of
the Tusayan people and their nearest neighbor, the Zuñi. If variations
exist between these neighbors we are justified in the suspicion,
which observation as far as it has thus far gone supports, that there
are even wider differences between pueblos more distant from each
other. The ethnologist fully cognizant with the ritual in one pueblo
has a general conception of the character of all, but changes due to
suppression of ceremonials, survivals, dying out of societies, and many
other causes have modified the pueblos in different ways. The character
of the ancient system is adulterated in all. We can form an idea of
this modification in no better way than by a minute study of the
existing ritual in every pueblo. Upon such comprehensive study science
is at the very threshold.
The foregoing pages open many considerations of a theoretical nature
which I have not attempted to develop. My greatest solicitude has been
to sketch the outline of the Katcina ceremonials as performed at the
Hopi village of Walpi in Tusayan.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] These studies were made while the author was connected with the
Hemenway Expedition from 1890 to 1894, and the memoir, which was
prepared in 1894, includes the results of the observations of the late
A. M. Stephen as well as of those of the author.
[2] The letters used in spelling Indian words in this article have the
following sounds: a, as in far; ă, as in what; ai, as i in pine; e, as
a in fate; i, as in pique; î, as in pin; u, as in rule; û, as in but;
ü, as in the French tu; p, b, v, similar in sound; t and d, like the
same in tare and dare, almost indistinguishable; tc, as ch in chink:
c, as sh in shall; ñ, as n in syncope; s, sibilant; r, obscure rolling
sound; l, m, n, k, h, y, z, as in English.
[3] These observations are confined to three villages on the East mesa,
which has been the field more thoroughly cultivated by the members of
the Hemenway Expedition.
[4] “Souls” in the broadest conception of the believers in Tylor’s
animistic theory.
[5] The distinction between elaborate and abbreviated Katcinas will be
spoken of later.
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