5 - The migrations continue: the end of Chaco and Mimbres

Summary

According to Hopi oral history, the decadent behavior at Palatkwapi was recognized as a problem by both the kikmongwi, the village chief, and the clan leaders. Kivas no longer were used for ceremonies and introspection, but instead were filled with men and women playing games. Fields were neglected, and pahos were no longer offered to the gods. So the village leaders dressed a young man in a costume to resemble Tsaveyo, the fearsome monster with horns, huge eyes, a long jaw filled with sharp teeth, and a huge stone ax. The Tsaveyo impersonator admonished the people of the village for their corrupt and evil ways, but everyone laughed at him and returned to the kivas to gamble. Another year passed, and the decadent ways became so pervasive that even the kikmongwi's wife succumbed to the temptations. Summoning his nephew, the leader again ordered him to frighten the villagers, which worked so well that they killed and buried him, hoping that this would allow them to return to their gambling. Four days later, however, the sun rose intensely red, and rumbling could be heard in the distance. Soon, rain poured down so fiercely that water gushed out of the fireplaces. And where the kikmongwi's nephew was buried, the great water serpent Balolokong emerged, thrashing about as people struggled to escape the flood.

The survivors of Palatkwapi gathered on the rocks above the ruined village.