“Prayer for water and other things is the reason kachinas came into the picture. Kachinas are the spiritual lifeline of the Hopi. They are spirits that help the people with the demands of life and they come in countless forms from ancestors to energy: from crops to farm animals. What they really embody is infinite. As I said earlier, there are hundreds of kachinas, and they are ever increasing. They influence everything, helping us in our quest for survival.”
“They’re not gods, so they must be more like helpers. Right?”
“Exactly. Their mission is to help the world, Indian or non-Indian. The Hopi have always been a giving people, a friendly people, but they have been taken advantage of. Natural disasters, every manner of mayhem have been visited upon our people.”
“Right. By Europeans.”
“Yes, but also by other Indian tribes searching for food.”
Justine was eager for yet more information. “I know a little about kivas, but haven’t read much about them. What exactly are they, and what are they for?”
“Kivas are underground chambers in which kachinas dwell. Kivas are seen as portals to another world, and kachinas emerge from them during the kachina season, which begins in late December and ends the summer following. They go about performing rituals and engaging in various ceremonies.”
“What do the other kachinas do once the first ones are gone?”
“Many things. Each set of kachinas perform different tasks. The next ceremony takes place soon after the first kachinas leave the kivas. The kachinas associated with this ceremony are always accompanied by guards, warriors and the clowns for many reasons.”
“The clowns. I know they have dual roles, that of performer and teacher.”
“That’s right. You know the major things about the Koshari.”
“He’s a fun character, and I know you like him, too. Is that why you chose the clowns, because they’re multifaceted?” Justine asked.
“Actually, it was chosen for me. Kachinas are like middlemen in spirit form. People can’t physically interact with spirits so a human is chosen to portray them. The method by which the right person is chosen to portray the kachina varies. The Koshari is an educator, but he does it in parody form. They are usually not seen at the powwows. This powwow is a special one. Derrick and some of the elders decided it would be interesting to add a few traditional kachinas for once.”
“I’m glad they did. You make a good Koshari, Darrius.”
Darrius stroked her inner thighs and chuckled into her ear. “Of course, a little levity always makes my day. It’s fun to be a jackass sometimes and poke fun at people—you know, loosen up sometimes. I’m beginning to realize why I love the role so much. It’s part of me, both sides of me.”
“I know you’re glad you came back to dancing.”
“I am, but one thing still bothers me. The general public sees our dances as just entertainment. A lot people have no realization that this is part of our religion. That’s why I still don’t think everything we do should be open to the public.”
“They can be taught.”
“Yes, those who want to learn. Others take trinkets from our lives and go back to theirs without knowing what the trinket means. That’s why our children are initiated into the cult. I know our religion isn’t the only one on earth, but it’s very important to us and it hurts me to think it’s taken lightly by some.”
“People make fun of all religions, Darrius. I’m not saying it’s right, but it happens.”
She rested quietly in his arms, almost afraid to ask her next question, but she had to know. “Darrius, do you see me as one of the trinket takers?”
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, as if impatient with her. “Justine, you know the answer to that. You came here with knowledge, came wanting to know more. Do you think I could love someone who didn’t respect my nation and religion? Don’t ask me that anymore.”
“Then can I ask you something else?”
“Anything my Justine wants, all she has to do is ask. But make sure it’s not about the ruins.”
“No. It’s about the kachinas. How many can you estimate off the top of your head?”
“That’s hard to say. The dolls you see are of major and minor kachinas. Some aren’t even kachinas, but supernatural beings nonetheless. You see, these aren’t simply dolls. They are teaching mechanisms, usually given to children, girls mostly, to understand what the kachina is all about. The Crow Mother and most of the other kachinas are not usually seen at powwows, nor are most of the other major kachinas. They are only seen at certain dances and ceremonies. The main event yesterday and last night at the powwow was a good example of the ceremonies some major kachinas attend. Derrick and some of the other organizers thought it would be different to incorporate them into this one, to add to the entertainment—and education of those who are interested in the kachinas.”
“Like me.”
“Yes. The kachina ceremonial calendar ends in July, with one final ritual soon after that—like last night. It’s a great ending to a fabulous season. Don’t you agree?”
“I do, and it was even more special to me because of the miraculous man I met here.”
“Derrick?”
“Sure. He’s the love of my life. I’ve only been pretending with you.”
“Then you’re a great actress because I’m completely taken by you.”
She playfully nudged him in the ribs. “You know who I’m talking about.”
Darrius planted a short, sweet kiss on her lips. “Any other kachinas you want to know about?”
“You’ve covered a great deal. I’ll learn about the rest.”
“You already are, darling—you already are. Our culture celebrates abundant life, and when I’m with you, I feel rich.”
She lay on her back on the Pueblo-patterned quilt. “Make me feel rich. It’s dark enough now.”
“Dark enough to take you to my ancestors.” He straddled her thighs and pulled his shirt off. He took her, parting her legs wider than ever before and feeling them wrap around him in desperate passion.
Bodies rocked endlessly in the night. In the heat of the moment, Darrius swore he could see the elders smiling down at him as he made love to her. The sky gods opened the heavens, and the most brilliant sunset flooded the area.
20
