Page:The Pima Indians.pdf/344

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Set speeches which recited portions of the cosmogonical myth were a feature of many ceremonies and were especially important in the preparation for war. They were slightly adapted for each occasion but their general content remained the same. Highly figurative language is used and in consequence it is extremely difficult to obtain even an approximately correct translation. The free translation offered is the result of many discussions with the older men.

In the ten speeches here given reference is made to the following deities, magicians, etc.:



You people desired to capture Elder Brother so that you might destroy him. You secured the assistance of Vulture, who made a miniature earth; you saw him at his home engaged in this work. He shaped the mountains, defined the water courses, placed the trees, and in four days completed his task. Mounting the zigzag ladders of his house he flew forth and circled about until he saw Elder Brother. Vulture saw the blue flames issuing from Elder Brother's heart and knew that he was invulnerable. In his turn Elder Brother knew that Vulture wished to kill him and had made the miniature earth for that purpose.

