Papago Indian Religious Ceremonies

In the primary source Papago Indian Religion by Ruth Underhill, the Papago religion and religious ceremonies are explained.  Because the Arizona climate was so warm, the Papago Indians could perform most religious ceremonies outside. The Papago only considered one house to be sacred, and it was the "big house" that the smoke keeper looked over and his wife kept clean. Women were only allowed in the "big house" to clean it, but it is used for council meetings among the Papago. Shrines, sacred objects, and offerings were used in ceremonies. Before the Papago were allowed to participate in religious ceremonies they needed to be purified, the Papago's method of purification was taking a cold bath, or having tobacco smoke blown on someone. Papago religious ceremonies included costumes, dancing, and music. Each ceremony contained different music and dancing that was specific to the ceremony's purpose. The Papago Indians performed ceremonies to promote rain, growth, hunting, games, war, and even had a ceremony for the women when they went through puberty.