50 THE ACOMA INDIANS |eth. anx. 47 



After the war chiefs have rested for a few days they again make the 

 circuit of the springs just as they did before their whipping. When 

 the circuit of the four directions has again been completed an interval 

 of eight days' rest follows. From then on to the end of the year the 

 war chiefs take turns going singly to the springs of the four directions 

 (according to the chart below). They do not bring water back to 

 the pueblo, but they do go to Mauharots (the "head estufa") to pray 

 when they return, after which they summon the people to pray to 

 the rising sim.^" 



Summary of loar chiefo. — There can be no doubt regarding the 

 importance of the role played by the war chiefs at Acoma; they are 

 virtually the backbone of the spiritual and institutional life of the 

 ])ueblo. Specifically their cliief function is to promote the rain supply, 

 which is really the most vital thing in pueblo life. Secondly, they 

 protect the medicine societies and oppose witches. But in general 

 they are vigilant overseers of the whole range of daily life, doing their 

 best to preserve the old customs and to oppose the encroachment of 

 aliens, especially whites and Mexicans. 



The position of war chief is loaded with responsibility, exacting in 

 its observance of manj^ difficult routines and rituals, and demands 

 unbroken sexual continence. And there is no compensation, except 

 honor and enhanced status; they receive neither money nor goods 

 for their services. (See section on elections.) 



C.-vLE.vD.-vn OF Ikst.\li,.\tion of VVak Chiefs 



1. They move into their new quarters. 



2. Next day they get wood for prayer sticks. 



3. Ne.\t day they make prayer sticks; go north that night, 

 •i. Next daj- rest. 



5. Next day make prayer sticks; go Tvest. 



6. Next day rest. 



7. Next da3' make prayer sticks; go soutli. 



8. Next day rest. 



9. Next day make prayer sticks; go east. 



10. Four days from tliis time tliey are whipped. 



11. Remain in estufa four days and four nights after initiation. 



12. Few days' rest. 



13. Nos. 3 to 9, inclusive, are repeated. 



14. An interval of eight days elapses. 



15. Cutimiti goes north at night. 

 Hi. Interval of eight days. 



17. Cpatimiti goes west at night. 



18. Interval of eight days. 



19. Maiyatcotimiti goe.s south at night. 



20. Interval of eight days. 



21. Cutimiti goes east. 



3fl There is no ceremony of installation of war chiefs among the eastern Keres; certainly nothing like the 

 Acoma ceremony. (White. Leslie A., ^fanuscril)tson Santo Homingo, San Felipe, Zia, and Santa Ana.) 



