Page:The Moki snake dance.djvu/48

 The Moki snake dance pg 48.jpg 2em room, where strange ceremonies are held. This is a kiva, and if we are hardy enough to brave the usual warning to the uninitiated, we may peep down without fear of swelling up and bursting. Perhaps, if there is no ceremony going on, a weaver may be making a blanket on his simple loom; likely it is deserted, dusky and quiet with no suggestion of writhing serpents or naked votaries and weird chanting. All streets lead to the plaza, the center of interest, set apart for the many dances; some solemn and awe-inspiring, some grotesque and amusing; all dramatic in action and marvelous in color. In the center of the plaza is a stone box. This is a shrine, the focus at which all ceremonies center, and beneath it is the opening into the underworld of