Shalako Ceremony at Zuni Pueblo

The Shalako Ceremony is a major ceremony of the Zuni people. Visitors are welcome but because of the complexities of the event most people don't understand what transpires during the two-day event, which is held in December. Because of his esperience and understanding of the Shalako Ceremony, appreciation for the reverence of the event, and admiration for the Zuni people this book became a reality. For years John provided notes for friends planning to attend the ceremony. For two years he was authorized by the Zuni Tribe to escort a tour of visitors and provided commentary during the event. He has also conducted lectures on the event. This book was written to provide information on Shalako events and behavior protocol for visitors.

The purpose of this publication is not to intrude upon the Shalako event or the lives of the Zuni people; nor violate its sanctity but to assist with understanding the Zuni Shalako Ceremony. Anytime we can better understand an event, the more meaningful it becomes and the more sincere our appreciation of both the event and people. My experience suggests that most all non-Zunis attending Shalako do not have an understanding of the events. They attend because of relationships or their kinship with the Zuni people or Native Americans in general. Likewise, I think that a reasonable number of Zunis particularly younger people, are also lacking in such knowledge. That is primarily because there is very little information available from which to learn; hence, a purpose of this publication. Like so many tribes in America, the Zuni have a tradition of story-telling by their elders and religious leader to perpetuate their culture. For years my family maintained a library of books from the Bureau of American Ethnology (BAE). This is the most extensive study of North American tribes in our nation’s history. It was commissioned by the Smithsonian Institution under the leadership of Director, John Wesley Powell and authorized by act of Congress. The Zuni Tribe is presented in the 23rd Annual Report 1901. Included are first-hand accounts, sketches, watercolor paintings, and photos of all religious and cultural events. As tribal elders died, so too did many religious details of their societies. Many times, Zuni elders came to us to read and study our BAE reports. They sought information on religious activities that had either been lost or diminished through the loss of religious leaders. The book is a compilation of educational and ethnic background from my personal knowledge, experience, and research. Any inconsistencies with Zuni mythology, religion, or tradition are both unintentional and my responsibility. I do not present myself as an authority on the Zuni people and their culture; nor, do I intend any disrespect.

This book was written to provide information on Shalako events and behavior protocol for visitors. John D Kennedy lived in Zuni from 1943 to 1946 where his dad was trading with the Zuni people. He became the third generation of traders in his family, which spans over 100 years as traders in the Southwest. They were active durng the time of the greatest trading activity in the southwestern United States. Through three generations they went from horses and wagons to computers and airplanes. John began working in the trading business with his dad, John W Kennedy, at the age of nine and continued until 1998 in Gallup, New Mexico, which is thirty-eight miles north of Zuni Pueblo. He was active in trading with the Zuni people and aware of their cutture and traditions. He has attended the Zuni Shalako Ceremony over thirty times. The Shalako Ceremony is a major ceremony of the Zuni people. Visitors are welcome; however, because of the complexities of the event most people don't understand what transpires during the two-day event nor are they aware of proper etiquette and behavior. Because of his experience and understanding of the Shalako Ceremony, appreciation for the reverence of the event, and admiration for the Zuni people, this book became a reality. For years John provided notes for friends planning to attend the ceremony. For two years he was authorized by the Zuni Tribe to escort a tour of visitors and provided commentary during the event. He has also conducted lectures on the event. John D Kennedy has also written about the trading history of his family - A Good Trade: Three Generations of Life and Trading around the Indian Capital Gallup, New Mexico. In 2013 his book Coyote: David Chetlahe Paladin will be released. It is the story of the great Navajo artist how the majesty of Navajo ways saved his life. This too is expected to be an BookBaby publication.