"My rendition of Po'pay depicts a simple man, one who is
concerned for survival of his family, his culture, and the history and beliefs
of the Pueblo People. His actions against the Spaniards were not acts of
defiance, but rather, acts of survival. In the eyes of the Pueblo
People, the world would be doomed if the Spaniards were allowed to continue
the suppression of the centuries-old Native religion and beliefs. The
songs and ceremonies had to be performed so the world would continue to spin
and the rains would continue their blessings.
"Po'pay was not a trained fighter, but a man who tended
gardens, hunted, and participated in the Kiva ceremonies. He was a
religious man who was responsible for making sure the ceremonial calendar was
followed. He was also responsible for the well-being of his family and
community, and provided for them through his hunting and farming.
In my rendition, he holds in his hands items that will
determine the future existence of the Pueblo People. The knotted cord in
his left hand was used to determine when the Revolt would begin. (As to
how many knots were used is debatable, but I feel that it must have taken many
days to plan and notify most of the Pueblos.) The bear fetish in his
right hand symbolizes the center of the Pueblo world, the Pueblo
religion. The pot behind him symbolizes the Pueblo culture, and the
deerskin he wears is a humble symbol of his status as a provider. The
necklace that he wears is a constant reminder of where life began, and his
clothing consists of a loin cloth and moccasins in Pueblo fashion. His
hair is cut in Pueblo tradition and bound in a chongo. On his
back are the scars that remain from the whipping he received for his
participation and faith in the Pueblo ceremonies and religion."
