Native American Zuni Indian Carved Kachina Doll

Shalako is a Zuni ceremony occurring during the first week of December. The participants have been practicing all year to perform their duties, seven new houses have been built to welcome the Shalakos (the Giant Couriers of the Rainmakers) and the Longhorns (Rain Gods of the North), and an enormous amount of food is prepared for both residents and visitors. Shalako brings the old year to a close and welcomes the new year, and asks for rain, the propagation of plants and animals, and the health and well being of its participants. It is also a reenactment of various important tribal myths.

The Little Fire God kachina descends from the hills and begins the ceremony, followed by the Shalakos, who are accompanied by Longhorns, Mudheads, and many other kachinas and priests making their way to their respective houses. Lengthy prayers are recited, after which comes a resting period before the food is served and the dancing begins. The kachinas are ten feet tall and resemble birds; they dance rhythmically and clack their beaks together. Near sunrise, the head Longhorn priest offers a prayer for the good fortune of the villagers in the coming year. A race takes place on the second day. Each participant runs from one end of the river to the other, making sure not to trip or fall or he will bring misfortune to the pueblo. After the race, the kachinas return to the hills, and preparations for the next year's festivities are immediately begun.