Ceremonies -

CEREMONIES OF THE CANEY

wsa-men's dance10-d — Members of the New York Taino community share the Caney ceremony of Solstice with the public in the winter of 2001.

A vital aspect of Caney Circle culture is the ceremonial tradition that drives the yearly cycle of ritual inspired by ancient Taino ceremony.

The Caney ritual culture is dominated by a number of important ceremonies which are usually led by Caney leaders known as “beikes”. These include:

* The Tobacco Ceremony

New York Caney beike Nana Maguey in the role of Ata Bey the Cosmic Matriarch cuts the ropes binding MakanaXeiti, the Kasike of New York City's Guajataka Taino yukayeke who was portraying the role of Yoka Hu in the Winter Solstice Shark Dance Ceremony of 2001. They are assisted by Florida Caney beike Konuk. — New York Caney beike Nana Maguey in the role of Ata Bey the Cosmic Matriarch cuts the ropes binding MakanaXeiti, the Kasike of New York City’s Guajataka Taino yukayeke who was portraying the role of Yoka Hu in the Winter Solstice Shark Dance Ceremony of 2001.
They are assisted by Florida Caney beike Konuk.

* Sweat Lodge ceremony

* The Full Moon Ceremony

* Summer and Winter Solstice

* Spring and Fall Equinox

* The Great Seeding Ceremony

* Marriage ritual

* Expectant Mother Ritual

* Coming of Age Rite

* Memorial service

As part of Winter Solstice Shark Dance, New York 2001, Beike Bo Miguel Sobaoko Koromo representing GUAKAR the spirit of Trials and armed with a wooden club representing Guakar's makana faces off with MakanaXeiti, the leader of New York's Guajataka Taino community, who participates in the mock battle in the role of Yoka Hu the Lord of Life armed with a ceremonial bow and arrow. — As part of Winter Solstice Shark Dance, New York 2001, Beike Bo Miguel Sobaoko Koromo representing GUAKAR the spirit of Trials and armed with a wooden club representing Guakar’s makana faces off with MakanaXeiti, the leader of New York’s Guajataka Taino community, who participates in the mock battle in the role of Yoka Hu the Lord of Life armed with a ceremonial bow and arrow.