Snake_dance Now

The ceremony involves extensive private and public preparations spanning roughly two weeks.

Dancers typically work in groups of three: a carrier who holds a live snake (often in their mouth), a hugger who strokes the snake with an eagle-feather whip to keep it calm, and a gatherer who retrieves the snakes once they are released on the ground. snake_dance

Secret rites occur within the kiva (subterranean ceremonial chamber), involving the construction of elaborate sand paintings and altars decorated with lightning and cloud symbols. snake_dance