The Zuni Indians
The Zuni Tribe Starting off this year I was pleasantly surprised with our English assignment on Native American tribes. Born and raised in Gallup, New Mexico “The Land of Enchantment” I have had a firsthand experience with Native Americans and their culture. For my English report I would like to take the opportunity to enlighten you about a more unique and obscure tribe that has developed throughout the years in the most innovative ways, the Zuni tribe. There are total of 565 Native American tribes in the United States, all with their own language and beliefs. Tribes like the Zuni are often not well known and, are over shadowed by more prominent tribes such as the Apache, Cherokee, or Navajo tribes.
Background
The Zuni are one of the nineteen Pueblo Indian tribes who are descendants of the Ancient Puebloans. Their population exceeds no more than 20,000 people. Their tribal name is A'shiwi (Shi'wi), meaning "the flesh.” Zuni history is believed to be dated back before 2500 B.C. when they moved to the Southwest. It was during this time that they made their first attempts at agriculture and game hunting. Around 1500 B.C. their agriculture thrived enabling them to grow many more crops such maize and wheat. Throughout the decades the population grew and the tribe built plaza style villages that remain the homes of a minority ofIndians today.
Beliefs
Religion is crucial to Zuni Indians. Their beliefs center around three metaphysical characters, the Earth Mother, Sun Father, and Moonlight-giving Mother. The sun is especially worshipped because it is considered a necessity of life. The Zuni words for sunlight and life is the same word. Sunrise is a very special and sacred time to Zuni Indians.Besides ceremoniesheld for honoring and thanking the metaphysical characters for health and natural forces, they had ceremonies yearly asking for help in fertility and rain. They all also had ceremonies to mark important life milestones such as birth, coming of age,
Background
The Zuni are one of the nineteen Pueblo Indian tribes who are descendants of the Ancient Puebloans. Their population exceeds no more than 20,000 people. Their tribal name is A'shiwi (Shi'wi), meaning "the flesh.” Zuni history is believed to be dated back before 2500 B.C. when they moved to the Southwest. It was during this time that they made their first attempts at agriculture and game hunting. Around 1500 B.C. their agriculture thrived enabling them to grow many more crops such maize and wheat. Throughout the decades the population grew and the tribe built plaza style villages that remain the homes of a minority ofIndians today.
Beliefs
Religion is crucial to Zuni Indians. Their beliefs center around three metaphysical characters, the Earth Mother, Sun Father, and Moonlight-giving Mother. The sun is especially worshipped because it is considered a necessity of life. The Zuni words for sunlight and life is the same word. Sunrise is a very special and sacred time to Zuni Indians.Besides ceremoniesheld for honoring and thanking the metaphysical characters for health and natural forces, they had ceremonies yearly asking for help in fertility and rain. They all also had ceremonies to mark important life milestones such as birth, coming of age,