406 THE ZUNI INDIANS [eth. ann. 23 



The longer the boj" talked the more absorbed he became in his sub- 

 ject. He added many wonderful statements to those made during the 

 day. At times his face became radiant with satisfaction at his power 

 over his listeners. His final stroke made it evident that he intended 

 to protect himself against all further persecution, for he closed with 

 the remark: *'I did possess all the power of my wizard forefathers. 

 It came to me through many generations. 1 have been all-powerful in 

 witchcraft. But since visiting m}^ mother's camp this evening I have 

 lost all power. While with my mother, and while she talked to me, 1 

 felt my eyes change from l)lack to blue, and then turn from blue to 

 black, and then 1 felt that all my power of witchcraft was gone, not 

 only for a little while, but for all time. Alas! No more shall I be 

 great among my people. 1 shall be one of them no more. My power 

 is all gone! all gone forever!" Hundreds cried out: "Good! Good! 

 Thanks, mother! Thanks!" Na'iuchi took the writer's hand and 

 expressed his gratitude and that of his people, with regrets that she 

 could not remain among them and rob all witches of their power to 

 destro3\ This incident is mentioned simply to show that it is possible, 

 if these people are managed in the right way, to overcome their miser- 

 able superstitions. 



Na'iuchi presented the complete set of prayer plumes and medicines 

 to the writer, requesting her to show them to the President as proof 

 that witches do exist in Zuni; for these people had had threats from 

 the United States Government regarding their practice of hanging 

 persons accused of witchcraft. These threats, however, were never 

 carried into execution until after the writer had left Zuni in 1896, 

 when Na'iuchi and several others were arrested for hanging a woman 

 they had accused of witchcraft. Help came in time to save the woman, 

 and troops were stationed in Zuni to protect the Government teachers 

 while Na'iuchi and others were in prison in Albuquerque, awaiting 

 their trial. During this period the words of the writer's poor mis- 

 guided, but dear and tried, friend, Na'iuchi, came often to her: "They 

 ma}^ imprison me for one month, six months, a 3'ear, or forever, but 

 1 shall hang the witch who destroys the life of m}- child." 



Primitive man must be approached according to his understanding; 

 thus the prime requisite for improving the conditions of the Indian is 

 familiarity with Indian thought and customs. Those possessing supe- 

 rior intelligence and a love for humanity, and only such, may lead our 

 Indians from darkness into lieht. The Indian will never be driven. 



