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Kikapues call themselves kikaapoa, which means "the ones that go by the land". Kikapus were settled in Sonora since the mid-nineteenth century when they bought a common land from the government, where they live nowadays.
Adjusted to the mestizos, Kikapus are in process of extinction as an ethnic group.
Hunting is the main activity of the Kikapu men; from which it they supply themselves, with meat and skins. This activity has a ritual character and its made in groups during all the year, mainly from January to April, months of religious celebrations of new year, baptizes, grateful celebrations to their god and as a tradition of the kikapus.
The maintenance of their Mexican territory, their religious organization, autonomy and ways of government has made out the Kikapu an indigenous group that takes its own decisions.
Kikapus have lost their dances, festivities, traditional medicine, crafts and food; therefore they have started a recovery program of their culture.
The current craft production consists of the elaboration of garments out of deer leather and fabrication of special sandals (tehuas) and pants, decorated with beads.
Being a good Kikapu signifies to comply always with the rites of shooting, purification, New Year, sacred fires and baptisms through prayers, sacrifices and fasts. |
