| OCR Text |
Show in the summer and snow in the winter to replenish the stream, to provide protection, spiritual guidance, and abundant harvests and to give long life. The stream ties the living world-ja/lona:/itiwann/a- with the other world-ko/lhu /wa/a la:wa. Kolhu/wala:wa is the place where Zunis believe they all go after death (hence 29 the popular appellation "Zuni Heaven"). To a people for whom all of the landscape is sacred, Kolhu/wala:wa is the most sacred of all and is regarded with great reverence. Indeed, this area is central to the Zunis' religion and society; in myth, symbol and reality a place and concept of critical importance to the Zuni people. Throughout the centuries the Zunis have utilized this area for religious and utilitarian purposes. In addition to using the area for prayers, ceremonies and offerings, the Zunis have also collected minerals and plants found there for religious use. Every four years Zuni priests visit shrines in the area, performing ceremonies which their duties demand, and which are central to Zuni religion. According to the Zunis' creation narrative, Kolhu/wala:wa is the home of the Kokko, or Kachina Gods of the Zuni. Zunis believe that this village of the gods at Kolhu/wala:wa is the place where all Zunis go after death. Even, for example, when death occurs in a war in a far away place (e.g., World War II, Korea, and 29. Kroeber, A. L. "Thoughts on Zuni Religion," Holmes Anniversary Volume, Washington, 1916; p. 272, explains that the Zuni word Kolhu/walatwa means literally town of the Kokko or Zuni Kachinas. - 21 - |
