Part 3 (2/2)

Plate VIII, Fig. 3, represents the fetich of the red Eagle (K'ia'-k'ia-li a-ho-na), of the Southern skies. Like Fig. 42, this is doubtless a nearly natural fragment of very fine-grained red sandstone, the wings being indicated by deep lines which cross over the back, and the rump grooved to receive the cord with which to secure to the back an arrow-point. The breast is perforated.

Plate VIII, Fig. 4, is a nearly natural fragment of compact white limestone, representing the white Eagle (K'ia'-k'ia-li k'o-ha-na), of the Eastern skies. No artificial details, save the eyes, which are faintly indicated, have been attempted on this specimen.

Plate VIII, Fig. 5, represents, in compact yellow limestone, the speckled Eagle (K'ia'-k'ia-li su-tchu-tchon-ne) of the Upper regions, the drab color of the body being varied by fragments of pure turkois inserted into the eyes, breast, and back. A notch in the top and front of the head probably indicates that the specimen was once supplied with a beak, either of turkois or of white sh.e.l.l. It is perforated lengthwise through the breast.

Plate VIII, Fig. 6, is a representation of a thoroughly typical conventional fetich of the black Eagle (K'ia'-k'ia-li kwin-ne) of the Lower regions. It is of calcite, stained l.u.s.trous black. A cotton cord around the neck supplies the place of the original ”necklace.”

THE MOLE--HUNTER G.o.d OF THE LOWER REGIONS.

The fetiches of the Mole, or G.o.d of the Lower regions (K'ia'-lu-tsi we-ma-we, in the sacred orders; Mai-tu-pu we-ma-we, in the order of the Hunt), are represented in the collection by only two specimens, Plate II, Fig. 6, and Plate IX, Fig. 1. The figure of a third specimen, taken from one of my sketches of the original in Zuni, is given on Plate III, Fig. 5.

These fetiches being unpopular, because considered less powerful than those of the larger G.o.ds of prey, are very rare, and are either rude concretions with no definite form (Plate II, Fig. 6), or almost equally rude examples of art, as in Plate IX, Fig. 1, which represents the fetich of the white Mole (Mai-tu-pu ko-ha-na) of the Eastern Lower regions. It consists merely of a natural slab of fine white limestone.

Nevertheless, value is sometimes attached to the Mole, from the fact that it is able by burrowing to lay traps for the largest game of earth, which it is supposed to do consciously. For this reason it is sometimes represented with surprising fidelity, as in Plate III, Fig. 5.

THE GROUND OWL AND THE FALCON.

The fetiches of the Ground Owl (the Prairie Dog variety--Thla-po-po-ke'-a' we-ma-we) of all regions, are still more rarely represented and even less prized than those of the Mole. The only example in the collection is reproduced in Plate IX, Fig. 2. The original is quite carefully formed of soft white limestone, and is perforated to facilitate suspension.

The Falcon fetiches (Pi-pi we-ma-we) are included in the Eagle species, as they are called the younger brothers of the Eagle, and supply the place of the red Eagle which variety is met with very rarely.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE MOLE AND THE GROUND-OWL FETICHES--HUNTER G.o.dS OF THE LOWER REGIONS AND ALL REGIONS.

THE NAVAJO FETICHES--PHALLIC G.o.dS OF THE FLOCKS.]

THEIR RELATIVE VALUES.

The relative value of these varieties of fetiches depends largely upon the rank of the Animal G.o.d they represent. For instance, the Mountain Lion is not only master of the North, which takes precedence over all the other ”ancient sacred s.p.a.ces” (Te-thla-s.h.i.+-na-we) or regions, but is also the master of all the other Prey G.o.ds, if not of all other terrestrial animals. Notwithstanding the fact that the Coyote, in the Order of the Hunt (the Coyote society or the Sa-ni-a-k'ia-kwe), is given for traditional reasons higher _sacred_ rank than the Mountain Lion, he is, as a Prey Being, one degree lower, being G.o.d of the West, which follows the North, in order of importance. Hence we find the Mountain Lion and Coyote fetiches far more prized than any of the others, and correspondingly more numerous. The Coyote in rank is younger brother of the Mountain Lion, just as the Wild Cat is younger brother of the Coyote, the Wolf of the Wild Cat, and so on to the Mole, and less important Ground Owl. In relations.h.i.+p by blood, however, the yellow Mountain Lion is accounted older brother of the blue, red, white, spotted, and black Mountain Lions; the blue Coyote, older brother of the red, white, yellow, mottled or spotted, and black Coyotes. So the Wild Cat of the South is regarded as the older brother of the Wild Cats of all the other five regions. And thus it is respectively with, the Wolf, the Eagle, and the Mole. We find, therefore, that in the North all the G.o.ds of Prey are represented, as well as the Mountain Lion, only they are yellow. In the West all are represented, as well as the Coyote, only they are blue; and thus throughout the remaining four regions.

The Mountain Lion is further believed to be the special hunter of the Elk, Deer, and Bison (no longer an inhabitant of New Mexico). His fetich is, therefore, preferred by the hunter of these animals. So, also, is the fetich of the Coyote preferred by the hunter of the Mountain Sheep; that of the Wild Cat, by the hunter of the Antelope; that of the Wolf, by the hunter of the rare and highly-valued o-ho-li; those of the Eagle and Falcon, by the hunter of Rabbits; and that of the Mole, by the hunter of other small game.

The exception to this rule is individual, and founded upon the belief that any one of the G.o.ds of Prey hunts to some extent the special game of all the other G.o.ds of Prey. Hence, any person who may discover either a concretion or natural object or an ancient fetich calling to mind or representing any one of the Prey G.o.ds will regard it as his special fetich, and almost invariably prefer it, since he believes it to have been ”meted to” him (an-ik-tchi-a-k'ia) by the G.o.ds.

THEIR CUSTODIAN.

Although these fetiches are thus often individual property, members of the Sa-ni-a-k'ia-kwe, and of the Eagle and Coyote gentes, as well as priests included in the Prey G.o.d Brotherhood, are required to deposit their fetiches, when not in use, with the ”Keeper of the Medicine of the Deer” (Nal-e-ton i-lo-na), who is usually, if not always, the head member of the Eagle gens.

It rests with these members.h.i.+ps and these alone to perfect the fetiches when found, and to carry on at stated intervals the ceremonials and wors.h.i.+p connected with them.

When not in use, either for such ceremonials or for the hunt, these tribal fetiches are kept in a very ancient vessel of wicker-work, in the House of the Deer Medicine (Nal-e-ton in-kwn), which is usually the dwelling place of the keeper.

THE RITES OF THEIR WORs.h.i.+P.

THE DAY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE FETICHES.

The princ.i.p.al ceremonial connected with the wors.h.i.+p of the Prey Beings takes place either a little before or after the winter solstice or national New Year.

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