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Paths of Life

Yaqui: Our Spiritual Worlds Unite Us

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For Indians of my native race
All were persecuted, young and old.
—Refugio Savala, Yaqui poet

For centuries, the Yaqui people suffered from persecution and warfare at the hands of the Mexican government. For those forced to flee their homelands, enduring visions of their spiritual worlds and the performance of the Deer Dance ceremony have united Yaqui communities.

At the heart of traditional Yaqui religion is the existence of five enchanted worlds that mirror their everyday world. For example, the Flower World represents the essence of goodness and beauty. Through individual dreams, songs, and ceremonies, the Yaqui people can visit these worlds.

Read the essay, Yoeme, by Felipe Molina

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Yaqui Virtual Reality Tour 1

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Map of the Exhibition Hopi Hopi Hopi Navajo Navajo Navajo Western Apache Western Apache Pai Southern Paiute Education Area Colorado River Yumans O’odham O’odham Yaqui Yaqui Tarahamura Tarahamura Seri Seri Orientation Entrance