Music of Acoma, Isleta, Cochiti, and Zuñi Pueblos - Flutopedia.com

DlINSMOEB] PUEBLO MUSIC 83
they were putting the pumpkins in the ovens to bake. In the morning
they would take them out, steaming hot."
The following song was sung by one of these groups of dancers.
(Catalog No. 2008)
No. 59. Song on evening before the buffalo dance
(1) (1)
J z 126
A
I 1 I 1
m^rtrw:^ vi^U\'^;t\>}frr \^m
\^->^h%'ir nrrr i
r i
r
2rn
inr-un
(2)
B
m\ r
\\:ir f\'in ^rir ri[jJr
(2)
^g j i r 1-^ J
I
^^-^-f-f- J
W — 9 Z> sr
(2)
n m
Analysis.—This pleasing and simple melody is major in tonality and consists
of two sections, or periods, each with its own rhythm. The song is based on a
major triad but the fourth is a prominent interval. The low tone at the close of the
transcription was below the natural range of the singer's voice but was audible.
When the Buffalo dance is given in the pueblo the company includes
a man called the "buffalo bringer," two men who represent buffalo,
and a woman called the "buffalo maiden." The dancers enter the
plaza led by the "buffalo bringer," who dances with a peculiar step.
Behind him comes the "first buffalo," followed by the "buffalo
maiden." There are no special requirements for the last-named part,
but it is usually taken by a woman who has taken it before and is
familiar with the procedure. She is followed by the "second buffalo."
Both men who represent buffalo carry a small gourd rattle in one hand
and a feathered bamboo rod in the other hand. This rod is about 3
feet in length, and decorated with four eagle feathers, one at the top
and the others equidistant to the man's hand. These men imitate
the buffalo in their actions. Beside this little procession are 6 or 8
drummers and singers with many dancers. The drum carried in this
procession is the* usual double-headed drum'^of the Pueblo Indians.
The Buffalo dance is still given at Cochiti Pueblo, but its significance
is gone. It was given by a small group of Pueblo Indians at Wisconsin
Dells in 1930 and witnessed by the writer, Evergreen Tree