ZUNI

also spelled Zui, North American Indian pueblo in west-central New Mexico, on the Arizona border (see Pueblo Indians). The Zuni speak a language related to Penutian. Their origin and early history are unknown; their mythology pictures their ancestors as emerging from underground and wandering to their present location. When they were first encountered by whites, the Spaniards in the 16th century, they were living in Hawikuh and five or six other towns. Collectively these came to be called the Seven Cities of Cibola, which became the focus of the golden empire sought vainly by Francisco Coronado and other explorers. After the Spanish defeat of the Pueblo rebellion in the late 17th century, the Zuni were crowded into one multistoried masonry pueblo. Thirteen matrilineal clans compose Zuni society, and the major officers are male. The principal male occupation is corn (maize) farming, though some men have become excellent silversmiths and turquoise workers. Basketry and pottery are the main crafts for women. Like other Pueblo Indians, the Zuni are generally peaceful and deeply religious, with a complex ceremonial organization. Men often wear masks and costumes to impersonate gods or spirits called kachinas (katcinas). Although the Zuni have undergone substantial acculturation to modern American life, some of their traditional culture survives. In the late 20th century the population of Zuni Pueblo was more than 5,000.