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Show the general population can be intensely concerned in the abstract even with specific sites about which they know little or nothing. Acoma Indians who travel to the shrine at Kolhu/walatwa act in accordance with Zuni religious restrictions during their visits. Zuni artist Alex Seowtewa echoed the statement of Kelley, reporting that all Zunis know about Kolhu/walatwa and believe in it, though some do not understand the more complicated beliefs. He said a number of his forefathers were baptized into the Catholic church and thus he was baptized, but that had no impact on his Zuni belief in Kolhu/walatwa. 77 Zuni Councilman Charles Hustito emphasized that the trail has importance to all of the Zuni people, and that all Zuni people take the trail to Kolhu/walatwa after death. Mr.. Hustito said, "I think we have that inherent belief and concept that ultimately when we die that regardless of what foreign religion we've taken. . . when you die you die as a Zuni, and so you will go there regardless where you're buried." Hustito who was baptized as a Catholic, continued, "but my whole basic concept of belief is that I'm a Zuni. I've got my religion ingrained in me. And it's been taught to me ever since I was a little boy and able to understand." Zunis agree that Christian religions have been "imposed" on the Zunis. The "dominant" culture demanded that Zunis name a Christian religion when they registered for school, or in other government enrollment situations. All tribes faced similar demands. Councilwoman Rita Enote Lorenzo said, "I was brought up in the Mormon religion on my mother's side. . . I go to church with her. I believe in 77. Seowtewa, Alex Interview by E. Richard Hart, February 13, 1986, Zuni, New Mexico, pp. 7-8. - 53 - |
