Albuquerque weekly citizen. (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1891-19??, 1902-08-16
MOxl SNAKE DANCE.
FEW INTERESTING FACTS.

Pueblo Indians of Tusayan, Ariz., pop
ularly known as the Moki Snake
Dance. will occur In August this year
at the pueblos of Oraibi. Shipaulovi
and Sichomovi. In 1901 It was wit
messed by more than 300 tourists.
This weird cere nony is a prayer for
rain. II continues for nine days. The
public performance Tin which live rat
tlesnakes are handled) occurs on the
ninth or last day. which is the time
when the general public are invited to
be present. although no objection is
made to an caller visit.
The province of Tusayan, or Moki
reservation, comprises 1000 square
miles and is inhabited by 1000 In.
dians, who are grouped In seven vii.
lagos on three high mesas near the
southern border Oraibi on the west
mesa, where the most Interesting fes-
by Indians who are more conservati re
than those of the other villages, but
they are wholly friendly to strangers
The dance there Is said to be better
than the ones to be held at Shipaulovi
and Sichomovi. on the second mesa.
1t Is expected that the nine days
dance at Oraibi will be given between
August IL and 20; the public snake
ceremony will probably occur on Au.
gust 90 II this date is changed prin-
cipal Santa Fe agents will be promptly
advised.
The flute ceremony at Mishongnovi
and Wolpi on the middle and eastern
This novel dance is an elaborate affair.
and by many considered as equal 10
that with the snakes. Both should be
visited, il possible.
The department of the interior re-
quires that all visitors to the Moki
reservation shall have permit issued
by the superintendent ard acting
United States Indian agent, Charles +.
Burton. who may be addressed care
Moki Training School. Keam's Canyon,
Ariz. The possession OF suct permit
helps to insure courteous treatment by
Indians and employees.
The Santa Fe trans-continental line
runs seventy-five miles south of the
Moki villages. The nearest stations
are Canyon Diablo and winslow. The
only means of transportation from the
railway to Mokiland Ia by team. The
trip ordinarily requires two days each
way. The roads and trails lie across
the almost level Painted Desert, which.
except in the Little Colorado valley
and around few springs or wells. has
scent vegetation. The soil Is sandy or
rocky, and in August the weather Is
warm. The altitude (averaging 5000
feet insures cool nights. and the day
time heat Is never oppressive owing
to small percentage of humidity. En-
route one passes by many Navajo
hogans. and to the west are the snow.
capped San Francisco peaks. The trip
can be accomplished without hardship,
II one is used to little 'rougElIng It"
and Is In many ways fascinating.
| For the snake dance festivities trans
portation overland will be provided at
Canyon Diablo and Winslow.
Bear In mind that there are TO per.
manent accommodation for visitors
at the Moki villages. except few
rooms or houses than can he rented
from the Mokis at reasonable rates
Provisions must be brought In. Most
tourists provide themselves with q
complete camping outfit. bedding, food.
etc. Fortunately, Arizona tent life is
quite the thing" In summer.
| The distance from Winslow to Oraibi
Is nearly eighty miles. The round trip
journey Is accomplished In four days.
TO which add the time at the dance.
The railway agent at Winslow reports
that there will be ample facilities for
tourists from that point. Advance ar
rangements should be made with n. c..
CIeswell. Winslow. Ariz.. who an
nounces n round trip rate of ss5 per
capita. This includes everything
needed. such as covered rigs with com
petent drivers. tents. bedding and food.
stay at Oraibi two days instead OF one
The distance from canyon Diablo 10
Oraibi is seventy-two miles. The round
trip is easily made in four days. Mr..
Volz, the Indian trader, advises that
he has already contracted for about as
many tourists as can be conveniently
taken care OF. namely. forty. II Is pos.
sible there may be a few vacancies at
the last moment. The chances of be-
ing booked may be ascerainod by ear
ly correspondence with +, w. volz.
Canyon Diablo. Ariz. Mr.. Nolz Is plan.
ming to give big feast Tor the Nayajos
at the Fields returning from Moki-
land. with dances, games. etc. His
charge is s35 for round trip Of i've
days; IS extra for one day stopover to
witness Navajo games.
Prof George Wharton lanes tho