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Show These people rarely cast their eyes upward without invoking the ram-makers, for in their arid land rain is the prime object of prayer The Zunis, she went on, conduct their supplications for rain by making offerings at Kolhu/wala:wa and various springs representing the waters associated with each direction.50 According to the ancient narrative the Zunis continued in their quest for the middle place, leaving the Kolhu/wala:wa area and passing in a northerly direction first through K/a:tulhlann/a (Kiatuthlanna) and then through Hantlhpinkia (Hanthlipinkia), where the clans of the Zunis had their origin. In time, the Zunis were able to find the middle of the world. The water spider spread out its legs to the various oceans and the water spider's heart then was centered over the heart of the world. There the Zunis built their villages (where the Zunis continue to live today), learned their lessons from Pautiwa and Kyaklo, and were reminded again and again by the Kokko of the importance of Kolhu/wala:wa. Their prayers, ceremonies and activities continue to focus their attention on Kolhu/wala:wa and We:sak'yaya Onnane, the sacred trail that leads there from Zuni. Just as Zuni (Itiwanna/Hebadina) is the center of the real world, Kolhu/wala:wa is the center of the spiritual world and spiritual life. The trail is the crucial real route/metaphorical link between the two worlds. To close or restrict access across the route is to deny the people what in their minds is an inalienable right to religious fulfillment and spiritual life. 50. Ibid. - 36 - |
