Strange Rites Of The Tewa Indians

Description: 

Kivas in which healing cérémonies are held are both underground and above ground. During winter and summer solstices the Tewa Sun and Ice people retreat into the kivas for four days and nights eating only bread and drinking only water. Rattlesnake cérémonies are designed to create immunity from venomous bites of the reptile. The greatest secrecy is observed. Sacrificial cérémonies occur in the kiva, involving infants and women. Starved rattlers are turned loose and allowed to feast upon their bodies until no flesh remains.

People: 
Chehalis, Hopi, Pueblo, Tewa, Pueblo of Zuni
Location Description: 

New Mexico NM; Oregon OR; Washington WA

Protocol: 
UNM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center Public Access
Community: 
UNM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center
Category: 
Animals, Death, Traditional Treatment, Tribal Actions
Original Date: 
1914
Creator: 
Stevenson, Mc.
Language: 
English
Rights: 
Records indicate that the UNM Health Sciences Library owns a copy of this item, but there may be a need to clear rights with a copyright holder prior to sharing with the public.
Source: 
Carlisle Arrow; Stevenson, MC. Strange rites of the Tewa Indians. Smithsonian Misc Coll 1914;63(8):73-83.
Identifier: 
9900596
Subject: 
Ceremonial, Cultural Characteristics, Death, Snake Bites, Traditional Medicine
Type: 
Monograph