essay

Introduction to Zuñi ceremonialism

47th Annual report of the Bureau of American EthnologyWashington • Published In 1932 • Pages: 467-544

By: Bunzel, Ruth Leah.

Abstract
In this article the author describes the important Zuni ceremonies and the organization of the personnel involved in carrying out the various rites connected with these. Following a brief description of Zuni culture and economy, the author considers their cosmological beliefs and views on the relation of man and nature. The importance of controlling nature and especially rain and fertility is discussed and there is some attempt at relating the general nature of Zuni ceremonialism to this. The various ritual elements and paraphernalia and their incorporation into different ceremonies and rites are described. The author also describes the composition and organization of the different religious fraternities, priesthoods and cult groups and concludes her account with a discussion of variations in individual participation in ceremonial and religious life.
Subjects
Cosmology
Prayers and sacrifices
Sacred objects and places
Organized ceremonial
Priesthood
Congregations
Spirits and gods
General character of religion
culture
Zuni
HRAF PubDate
2009
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Betty Potash ; 1961: John Beierle; 2007
Field Date
ca. 1928
Coverage Date
1928
Coverage Place
Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, United States
Notes
by Ruth L. Bunzel
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
32024503
LCSH
Zuni Indians--Rites and ceremonies/Zuni Indians--Religion/Zuni mythology