Outings: Zuni Pueblo
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The Beat Goes On
Religious dance—mostly as a form of prayer—has been an integral part of Zuni religion and culture for much of Zuni Pueblo’s long history. But today, the pueblo’s elders worry that future generations might not care enough about the old ways to carry on these ancient traditions.
Keith Edaakie, a cultural educator coordinator at the Zuni Recovery Center, leads the Triple A Dance Group, which is based at the pueblo, 150 miles west of Albuquerque off I-40 and N.M. 53. The group’s name was chosen because its initials, AAA, are those of three Zuni words that translate as “Zuni children are precious.” Edaakie describes the group as a prevention and intervention program that uses traditional Zuni social dancing as a way of protecting kids from drugs, alcohol, and other destructive influences.
Although Zuni Pueblo kids today often view traditional dancing as old-fashioned—it’s hard to compete with cell phones and partying with friends—Edaakie has seen some successes among the group. It’s clear that the kids are having fun; Ivanna Lateyice, 13, likes dancing because it “keeps our traditions strong.”
Dr. Robert Currier, clinical director at Zuni Community Health Services, says, “Dance is part of their culture, and at the Recovery Center we put a high emphasis on the importance of understanding one’s culture in terms of developing an identity.”
Even with assistance, it takes a dancer an hour or more to dress in all the layers of clothing and jewelry the dances require. But when at last they are fully resplendent in their colorful costumes, I can’t help noticing, as they line up, that these young dancers stand a little taller, a little prouder, and I am transported with them to another time and culture—nothing else exists. I am mesmerized by the steady drumbeat as these young people become one with its hypnotic, soothing rhythm, dancing in the shadow of Dowa Yalanne, the sacred mesa of the Zuni people—their people.
The Triple A Dancers’ social dances are open to the public. For a schedule: (505) 782-4717. Religious dances are held at Zuni Pueblo. For info: (505) 782-7238; www.zunitourism.com —Janet Worne
