Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona

Miss Mae teaches us about the Hiak Pahko ceremony.

Hiak Pahko

Miss Mae tells us about some Yaqui traditions and what happened to the Yaqui when the Spanish arrived, and later under the Mexican government.

Yaqui Traditions and Colonization

Miss Mae teaches us about Pascola Masks and the symbolism on them.

Pascola Masks

Miss Mae introduces us to the Pascua Yaqui people and where they live. 

Introduction to the Pascua Yaqui

Meet your tour guide, Miss Mae, to discuss anthropology and culture, research and the scientific process, and Native Nations of Arizona to prepare for your virtual Muse2You exhibit tour about the O'odham. 

What is Anthropology?

Miss Mae tells us about the enchanted Yaqui Flower World.

The Flower World

Miss Mae tells us about the story of the Talking Tree and it’s prophecy for the future of the Yaqui.

The Talking Tree and the Surem

The colors on Pascola Masks have meaning for the artists, color this mask to give it your own meaning! You can use the suggested colors or add your own but be sure and include what your color choices mean to you.

Color a Pascola Mask

Miss Mae introduces you to Pascua Yaqui history and culture on this virtual exhibit tour at the Arizona State Museum.

ASM Muse2You Paths of Life video tours created by Larea Lewis and produced by Larea Lewis and Lisa Falk, 2021. Museums for Digital Learning ASM Paths of Life resource kits produced by Sarah Willwater and Lisa Falk, 2022.

Paths of Life Tour: The Pascua Yaqui, an Indigenous Nation in Arizona and Mexico

Civics and Government

Social Studies

Geography

U.S. History

World History

Writing: History/Social Studies

English Language Arts

Visual Arts

The Arts

Spanish

World Languages

List some of the roles of those participating in a Hiak Pahko ceremony. 

Describe some of the cultural objects they use during the ceremony. 

What are some of the activities women participate in at the ceremonies?

According to Felipe Molina, why do the Yoemem sing deer songs and what connections does music and song make? 

Pascolas are traditionally only men. Women serve other important roles in Yaqui and Mayo ceremonial life. Perhaps most visible at fiestas are the 

who sing prayers and tend to church altars. The 

are also well respected members of the community, esteemed for the countless hours of preparing meals for all who participate at the fiestas.

"What is lost when people see only men at the forefront in fiestas is an enormous appreciation for the support women provide, in holding up our Yaqui religion with creativity, spirituality, and faithful practice."  

Maria Murrieta making tortillas on a grill.

Helga Teiwes, photographer, 1976, ASM 43615.

"Wakavaki is a traditional food served at ceremonies. It is a beef and vegetable stew, with corn, squash, tomatoes, onions, and something like short ribs. There is a special “kitchen” set up, where only pahko participants can come in to eat." 

Women cooking in kitchen to prepare food for participants, Pascua Village, Tucson, AZ. Ray Manley, photographer,1959, ASM PIX-353-x-14.

Notice the many different people involved in the Hiak Pahko ceremony. What instruments do you see? The 

Photograph of ASM exhibit diorama of Haik Pahko ramada.

Notice that the Pascola's face is covered with a mask when he dances to communicate with the spirit world. He is facing the 

 when he is doing this. When not dancing, the mask will be moved to the side or back of his head.

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

Paths of Life Tour: The Pascua Yaqui, an Indigenous Nation in Arizona and Mexico

Hiak Pahko

Guiding Question

Discussion Questions