328 PUEBLO OF TAOS. 



individual, is somewhat interesting. The cacique, or high priest, is the 

 oracle and spiritual ruler, having the power to punish for irreligious acts 

 and to solemnize marriage ceremonies ; in fact, his consent must first be 

 obtained before lovers may be betrothed. In the temporal affairs of the 

 people he seems to be clothed with no authority. It is pleasing to note the 

 great respect and reverence always paid to these aged men by the people ; 

 and a singular custom among them is that of drawing lots by the young 

 men of the tribe to determine who shall support and take care of the cacique 

 each year, and the successful competitor is deemed very fortunate. 



The governor, or alcalde, of the village is in reality the ruler* in all 

 temporal affairs ; he orders work, regulates the hours of labor, and in short 

 performs all the functions of a chief magistrate. Unlike the cacique, who 

 holds his office for life, the alcalde is elected yearly. The emblem of his 

 authority is a cane, which serves the double purpose of a writ when offend- 

 ers are to be summoned before the bar of justice, and as a weapon to inflict 

 such punishment as may be ordained. 



The capitan de la guerra, or war-chief, holds his office by hereditary 

 right, is responsible for the defense of the town in time of war, and leads 

 the fighting portion of the population. He seems to exercise the right of 

 supervision over the common pasture-field, or "vega," and likewise claims 

 the ownership of the hunting-grounds near the village. There are also 

 several minor officials who act as constables and police, called alguazils. 



Although these people are ostensibly Roman Catholics, there is no 

 possible doubt but they are sun-worshippers, as each night and morning 

 the greater part of them are to be seen on their house-tops chanting hymns 

 of praise to this orb as he departs and reappears. These hymns are inex- 

 pressibly sad and mournful, though beautiful and melodious, and similar 

 in character to the droning song in a minor key of the negro ; the words 

 appear to be a succession of monosyllables, with frequent repetition. In 

 the event of any occurrence of interest to the people, a public crier an- 

 nounces it from a house-top. We had an instance of this in our own case, 

 as before we were permitted to encamp near the village a council was held 

 to decide whether to treat us as friends or enemies. The decision beino' in 

 our favor, the fact was publicly made known in the manner indicated. 



