In a previous blog the history of Chimney Rock was discussed, and interestingly enough there is a yearly festival that is held in the springtime at this very location. Like many cultures the spring season represents rebirth, renewal, regeneration, and regrowth.
For the Native American, there are many traditional dances that takes place in the four corners during the spring but my favorite is called the Butterfly Dance. Let me share the story with you of this very sweet dance, and the most recent experience I was able to witness at The Great Kiva located at Chimney Rock. First, let us go over some of the historical facts about the Great Kiva.
The Great Kiva located in Chimney Rock is one of the largest structures in the High Mesa. The word Mesa literally means tableland and is a landmass elevated with a flat top and is surrounded by steep cliffs. According to a tree-ring dating method, the Great Kiva was constructed in 1084 AD. The word kiva is a Hopi term that means ceremonial house.
To be called a Great Kiva, the dimensions must be 35 feet or more. The Chimney Rock Great Kiva is close to 44 feet and include special features. These special features include benches, foot drums, a fire pit, and 14 subfloor vaults. Typically, kivas have what is called a sipapu or what is known as an entrance into the spirit world. According to archaeologists that have researched Chimney Rock, they have not found the spiritual doorway. As a Native American, I can assure you the doorway is there. The rooftop has also been a mystery to archaeologists, but according to oral tradition the roof would have been made out of natural materials that would have deteriorated with time.
Kivas were used for ceremonial purposes centuries ago and are still used for ceremony to this very day. As an inside source, kivas that are located on all sacred lands are used for very special ceremonial purposes. So it is a treat to the public for a kiva ceremony like the one held at Chimney Rock to be open for all to see, let alone at the Great Kiva. Now that we have reviewed some of the history of the location of the special Butterfly Dance, let us now go over what the Butterfly dance signifies.
The Butterfly dance is a celebration by both the Tewa and the Hopi tribes of North America. They both have different characteristics but the same intention. The Tewa and Hopi are related in ancestry so there is this special connection between the tribes. In the traditional sense, the Butterfly dance is social in nature and held in the late summer or early Autumn. The ceremony is one of gratitude for the harvest season, mainly corn.The Butterfly dance is a cry for rain, good health, and long life for humankind. The dance also shows respect for the butterfly and its part in the pollination of plant life.
The Legend of the Butterfly dance begins with the Butterfly clan, a clan that was assigned to preserve legends and history. The Butterfly clan were kin to the Tewa and the word buli (fioli) butterfly is Tewa in its origination. Pottery has been found throughout the four corners with images of butterflies, moths and dragonflies to support the origination of the tribes.
As with many First Nation ceremonial dances, each dancer is respected for their fancy footwork, beautiful appearance, and endurance. The choreography for the Butterfly dance includes small jumps and the partners move toward and away from one another. The clothing for both tribes is different but the symbolism is the butterfly, clouds, and sunflowers.
The Butterfly dance held at the Great Kiva is different in that the underground chambers are not used, the celebration is much shorter, and instead of the dance being held in the traditional summertime it is held in the springtime. Before the dancers enter the Great Kiva they offer respect by sprinkling corn pollen on the ground. The Tewa dancers are also children, which is an offering of innocence and respect for the newborn spring. What was most special about the day I watched the Butterfly dance at the Great Kiva, (especially to a Native American), was the appearance of a group of butterflies flying intermittently from the beginning of the dance until the end of the dance. For the parents and children of the Butterfly dancers this was a special message that was a sign of approval from above. The experience was not only a visual confirmation but a feeling of pure connection to Spirit for those who understand nature and the spirit world.
The Butterfly dance on the Hopi reservation is much more complex and involves days of celebration. Unmarried men and women are chosen to take part of the dance, the clothing is much more intricate and sacred symbolism is used. For instance, the women paint their feet yellow in the image of eagle feet in order for her to dance lightly throughout the day. If you know my writing by now, you know I had to throw in a small tidbit of information about the eagle .
Everyone in the entire village are participants from the men of the tribe choosing the songs, to the families of the dancers preparing food, and everyone gift giving. If you do not know anything about First Nation custom, just remember we love gifts and any gift is appreciated. For the Hopi, and this particular celebration, food is the typical gift. Each villager brings food to share, the female dancers make baskets, and the male dancers bring blankets. These are customary gifts of any tribal nation.
To be a Tewa or Hopi is to attain to a respect for all living things, to find peace, and live in accordance with Creator. These two tribes practice all ancient traditions for the sake of the entire world. It is the hope that through their practice, that humankind in its entirety will understand that we all need to work together to attain respect for all life, peace for all nations, and understanding the importance of the Creator.
So, if you are ever in the vicinity of Chimney Rock in the springtime you might enjoy watching this beautiful energetic ceremony in The Great Kiva. Peace.
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