Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1906-08-08
STRANGE MOK|
SNAKE DANCE
At Villages in Ari-
concentrations
Are Used.
lllnlAn nDhvCD rnp DAM
INDIAN PRAYER FOR RAIN
Large Crowds of Spectators
Attend Annually--.How
One Should Go.

the strangest weirdest and most fam
tastic OF all the Indian dances in the
southwest is the snake event OF the
Mokis which takes place annually at
several of the villages in their reser-
vation in Arizona. Live rattlesnakes
play a prominent part in this savage
ceremony which is supposed to be a
prayer for rain. 1t continues for nine
days and the last day is given over
to public performance, although it
is stated no objections are raised to
an earlier visit. The Moki snake
dances have become widely known
and every year larger numbers of
spectators are in attendance, some OF
them coming great distances simply to
witness this reminder of Paganism.
The ancient province of Tusayan,
the present Moki reservation, covers
an expanse of four thousand acres
and is inhabited by upwards Of two
thousand Indians. There are seven
villages on this tract, the largest of
which is the pueblo of Oraibi. At
Oraibi is where the most interesting
ceremonies are held, although the
snake dance is also given at Shungo,
paw and Shipauloyi, and about the
same time the flute dance takes place
at Wolpi and Mishongnovi, two other
villages of the Mokis. This flute cere-
mony is quite pretentious and is con-
sidered by many to be fully as inter-
esting and as impressive as the snake
dance.
Dance This Year Between August
18th and Goth.
The Moli snake dance will be held
this month between the 18th and goth.
The snake priest has full charge of
the program. He arrangeS all of the
Details even to selecting the dates.
The Oraibi are 'ess conservative than
the denizens of the other villages and
for that reason their pueblo proves a
greater attraction TO tourists during
the unique celebrations of the tribe
The Indians Of the other villages are
said to be friendly enough. but they
hold themselves more aloof while
their ceremonial dances are ia pro-
gress.
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa
Fe Railway main line runs to within
seventy miles of Mokiland. The inter
vening distance must be travelled over
land either on horseback or in yehi-
cles. The trip usually requires two
days and is through a rather desolate
looking country but in spite of the
primitive means of transportation the
tourist is amply repaid for any incon.
yenience that may be endured. Il is
no hardship at all for persons who are
accustomed to ''roughing it," The
roads and trails lead across the ia.
nous Painted Desert, passing at inter,
walls hogans Of the Navajoes. Snow
capped mountains rise in the west and
Or account of the altitude, heat during
the day even in the summer time, is
never oppressive The Santa Fe route
has made special rates from various
points on its system for ali desiring
to attend the coming festivities of the
Mokis and arranged for transportation
overland to the villages from Canyon
Diablo, Holbrook and Winslow. Those
wishing to remain at the pueblo'
longer than the excursion schedule
will be privileged to do so. All visitor
must provide themselves with camp
ing outfits as well as provisions, a:
there are no permanent Accommodations
at any of the settlements except pro
badly few rooms that may be rent
ed from the Indians.
Visitors Must Secure Permits to
Enter Reservation.
Visitors are not allowed to go o
the reservation without a permit fror
the superintendent or acting agents
but this will be granted readily fc
the asking to any reputable citizel
These permits can be obtained by wri
ing to 7. G., Lennon, care of Mol
Indian School, Keam's Canon, Arizon;
and if the time is short can be SCI
in care OF the station agents at Cal
yon Diablo, Holbrook or Winslow.
The Santa Fe Railways passengt
department has issued very inte
esting circular descriptive of the Mol
snake dances and giving the rate
per day over the several wagon route
to Mokiland. Passenger Agent F.
Prince will personally conduct part
from Canyon Diablo. The circular CO
.tains the following general inform
ton which will be of interest to pro
pective tourists to the domain of IL
MoAis:
Wear thick-soled shoes; smoke
spectacles or eyeglasses will affol
protection from the sun; hats shou
be Of straw and have broad brin
outing suits of light colors are pr
ferable; avoid dark colored clothi1
which catches all the dust; carry alol
waterproof wrap for emergencie
the underclothing should be of mo
crate weight.
"A few simple medicines will
handy in case OF sickness. Indie
children love candy; provide yourse
with supply. Bring your Gamer
but protect its contents from the
tense Light of the Arizona sunshir
"Outftting can be ddfe at any
the stations named. At trading pos