because of lack of availability. Rows are dug and then seeds planted. With no irrigation system available, the crops success and/or failure is easily undermined. Droughts, torrential downpours, and severe windstorms are visited frequently upon the surrounding regions. Much of the Zuni religious focus during crop season is dedicated to securing favorable position with the gods to prevent their wrath of unkind weather.When weather patterns are fair and crops are doing well, other factors play important essential roles in undermining bountiful crops. Coyotes are problem as they come to eat the corn once it has begun to mature. Rabbits are also responsible for crop destruction. These two vermin are pests but by far the greatest threat, excluding weather, comes from groups of crows dropping into fields to eat the kernels. A very peculiar adaptation the Zuni have made in preventing the crows from eating their crops seems to have played an early roll in the development of their religion. All across the cornfields, twine is strung from poles driven into the ground. From the line bit of cloth are hung along with bones, hides, and anything that will flutter or sound in the wind. The crows that are killed early into the season are also hung by their feet to deter other birds. Scarecrows are also made and placed randomly in the fields; with eyes protruding from their skulls and large wooden beak give the scarecrows an ominous similarity to the gods they worship during ceremonies. If everything goes well, the crops are harvested and brought to the households by nearly everyone in residence, including women. It is a festive time of peace and thanks and the entire community shares it. The corn must be husked and prepared for storage; a daunting task that is very time consuming. The Zuni engage in the enterprise with joy and efficiency. The Zuni are a matrilineal family. Ownership of the sacred objects, the house, and the co...
