PÁLÜLÜKOÑTI
The screen drama of the Pálülükoñti ceremonial as performed in 1893 has already been described.[83]
The following personifications of Katcinas appeared in the Pálülükoñti in 1893:
- Coyóhim, All.
- Pawík, Duck.
- Tacáb, Navaho.
- Hokyaña.
- Húhian, Barter.
- Cálako, Cálako.
Its presentation in other years differs very materially from the description given.
In the celebration of 1891 a wooden figure representing Cálako was introduced with two carved marionettes, which were manipulated as if grinding corn, and serpent effigies were thrust through the sun opening of the screen. These were likewise used in the presentation in 1894.[84]
The celebration of Pálülükoñti in 1894 was controlled by the Badger people, and the exhibition of the screen drama occurred March 16. A number of slabs with symbolic figures of Táwa (the sun), and Cótükinuñwa (the heart of all the sky), and two small effigies of Pálülükoñûh (plumed snake) were introduced. The two mechanical figurines, which were so manipulated as to appear to be in the act of grinding corn on metates, represented Cálakomanas, and were made by Tótci of the Badger people.
This variation from year to year, it will be observed, preserves without change the various deities introduced and recalls what I have already written about the variations in altars of the Nimán in different villages. In stage effects latitude is permissible, but there is no change in the deities represented. Something similar occurs in the Mamzraúti, where, in 1891, tablets with Palahíkomana symbols were used, while in 1893 women represented that personage.
So far as I know the essential personages[85] to be represented by symbolism or by men in disguise, are:
- Táwa, Sun.
- Mü′iyawû, Moon.
- Cótokinuñwa, Heart of the Sky.
- Hahaíwüqti, Ancient Mother.
- Pálülükoñti, Plumed Snake.
- Cálako taka or mana, Corn Man or Maid.
- Various Katcinas, mentioned above, but these may vary year by year.
- Másauwûh, Fire God.
- Various Tcukúwympkiyas, Clowns.