essay

Keresan Pueblo law

law in culture and society • Chicago • Published In 1969 • Pages: 92-116, 419-438

By: Hoebel, E. Adamson (Edward Adamson).

Abstract

Hoebel writes about Keresan law. Zia are one of several Keresan pueblos in western New Mexico, including Cochiti, Santo Domingo, and San Felipe on the Rio Grande; Acoma and Laghuna, west of Albuquerque; and Santa Ana and Sia (Zia) on the Jemez River north of Albuquerque. Most of the research for this article was done in the pueblos of Zia (Sia) and Santa Ana. There is no private law. Clans and lineages have no role in the legal process. All cases are brought before the governor and a council comprised of the heads of secret societies. The basic legal principle of the pueblo is that all members are obligated to participate in activities that maintain the community, such as collective hunts, cleaning and repairing irrigation ditches, cultivating the governor's field, dancing at the fiesta, and sweeping the village plaza. Other crimes are adultery and witchcraft. Sanctions can be quite severe and involve hanging violators up by their hands, whippings, banishment, and in the past, execution.

HRAF PubDate

2004

Region

North America

Sub Region

Southwest and Basin

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2002

Field Date

1943-1950

Coverage Date

1889

Coverage Place

western New Mexico, United States

Notes

E. Adamson Hoebel

Includes bibliographical references (p. 419-438)

LCCN

68008157

LCSH

Sia Indians