Olla Maidens

Sounds Of Indian America Plains And Southwest

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Zuni Rain Song

(Zuni, New Mexico):
This song is traditionally part of the Zuni Rain Dance which is performed in the spring as part of a ceremony and prayer for rain and good crops. In this song it tells about the clouds and the rain coming down. It Is calling the rain for good crops. At Zuni this song is performed by a long line of men dancing with turtle-shell rattles tied to their legs, and gourd rattles held in their hands.
The Zuni Olla Maidens have been appearing at Gallup for many years. Visually they are known for their beautiful jewelry, and their ability to walk while balancing fragile water jars (called ollas in Spanish) on their heads without holding them. As a singing group the Olla Maidens are unique. An all women’s singing group is very rare in Indian music, and it is probably due to the Gallup Ceremonial itself that this group was formed. Each night they sing different songs for the audience, some are of their own composition, and some are borrowed. The rain song, recorded here, is borrowed from the traditional rain ceremony described above. cover (pdf)