To have one in your home is distasteful, at
Least, to non Indian lovers. A whittled down, carved
Out piece of wood with an exaggerated head and
Painted face; rabbit pelts designed as skirts
Hides the cut-out, shaped, timber legs. My husband
And I collect kachinas and find this hobby very
Exciting, but have had to explain they are just
Decorations in our home, not objects of worship as their
Designers believe. Ah! But to them, it’s their way of
Life; these man-made gods protect their clan. Once, at
The Indian Mescal Roast in Carlsbad, New Mexico, the
Camp-fire blazed as six mountain spirit dancers encircled
The burning pit. For hours the sacred dances continued,
Never to cease; even when the warriors needed a drink. They
Left, one at a time, and suddenly a cup of water floated
Throughout the ceremony into the spectator’s hands and all
Were refreshed as we drank of the cup and inhaled the magic
Of the moment. For in that brief spell, we were a part of
This Indian culture and we hung on the mountain at
“The End of The Trail.” |
