FEWKEs] THE WUWUTCIMTI CEREMONY 2()3 



4. The Wiiwittciniti. Tlie Naaciiaiya, of wbicli this is au abbrevi- 

 ated observauce, has been described.' One of the most prominent 

 events is the ceremonial making of the new fire; and as this is in a 

 measure distinctive of these two, it is proper to designate them the 

 New Fire ceremonies. 



In essentials the Naacnaiya and the Wiiwiitcimti are the same, but 

 the former appears to be of less constant appearance and more compli- 

 cated. In it, as elsewhere described, the statuette of Talatumsi is 

 brought into the pueblo, but in the abbreviated form offerings are 

 made at her shrine down the trail. During the making of the new fire 

 Anawita,'^ personifj'ing Masauwfih, is hidden behind a blanket held by 

 two assistants. 



The second group, called the Katcinas, which may be divided into 

 two smaller divisions, known as the elaborate and the abbreviated, fills 

 out the sequence of religious ceremonials between the SoyaluDa and 

 the Nimankatcina. These celebrations are distinguished from those of 

 the former group by the presence of masked personages to whom is 

 given the name of Katcinas. By the use of these masks or helmets 

 the i)articipant is supposed to be transformed into the deity repre- 

 sented, and women and children avoid looking at Katcinas when 

 unmasked. The main symbolism of the deity is depicted on the helmet 

 or head, and varies in different presentations, but the remaining para- 

 ])hernalia is constant, whatever personage is represented.'' 



The mask (kii'itii, head) is often addressed as ikwatci, " my friend or 

 double.'' Prescrii)tively it must be put on and taken off with the left 

 hand.^ It is of helmet shape, fitting closely to the head and resting 

 on the shoulders. These masks or helmets are repainted at each pre- 

 sentation with the symbolism of the i)ersonage intended to be repre- 

 sented. They are ordinarily made of leather, portions of boot legs or 

 saddles, and in one or two instances I have found on their inside the 

 embossed or incised markings characteristic of Spanish saddles. Old 

 felt hats are sometimes used in the manufacture of the simpler masks 

 and those of the mud-heads are of coarse cloth. Few of the helmets 

 now used give evidence of very great antiquity, although some are 

 made of the skin of the bison. One can seldom purchase these helmets, 

 as their manufacture is difidcult, and instead of being discarded after 

 use in one ceremony they are repainted for other presentations. 



' The four societies who celebrate the Wiiwiitcimti are the AAlwympkiya, Wiiwiitcimwympkiya, 

 Tataiikyamfl. and Kwjlkwantft. 



'^ Chief of tlie Kwakwantii. a powerful warrior society. AraODg various attributes Masaiiwiih ia 

 the Fire God. 



3 The body, save for a kilt, is uncovered. This kilt is white or green in color, with embroidered 

 rainclond symbols. This is tied by a sash, with dependent fox-skin behind. Rattles made of a turtle 

 shell and sheep or antelope hoofs are tied to one leg back of the knee, and nioccasins are ordinarily worn. 

 Spruce twigs are inserted in the girdle, and the Katcina carries a rattle in one hand. This rattle is 

 a gourd shell with stones within and with a short wooden handle. 



* The left h.and is always used to receive meal otferings and nakw;lkwocis, and is spoken of as 

 kyakyauina, desirable. The right hand is called tiinucmahtu, food hand. 



