Page 234 - TheHopiIndians

226 MESA FOLK OF HOPILAND

free from the habit of begging, so often observed
among her people, which is probably due to this dig
nity. It is very evident, however, that the vice of
begging is becoming general among the Pueblos which
have been most in contact with white people.
This sketch of Saalako would be incomplete without
the mention of her chief shortcoming, inordinate
curiosity. Apologists commend rather than excuse
laudable curiosity, affirming it to be a desirable quality
in an investigator. No doubt Saalako owes her ac
quaintance with nature to this class, but she is famous
for curiosity in other minor matters. No visitor to
Wapli escapes the ordeal of her questions, and popular
account has it that very few happenings escape her
notice. The Hopi of both sexes are most curious;
Saalako has the trait in greater degree. The hoary
error of attributing curiosity to woman alone has
small countenance in Hopi. However, Saalako's curi
osity is well meaning and harmless. It is only an ex
pression of the infantile which blossoms in this peace
ful and isolated people.
Saalako felt it her duty to give a name to one of the
exploring party under the direction of Dr. Fewkes.
After several days meditation, having tried and re
jected several queer sounding appellations, she at
last dubbed him Kuktaimu, briefly, "Investigator,"
and kindly offered to adopt him ; the adoption, how
ever, was not consummated. Kuktaimu owes his name
to the ardor with which he collected plants, insects,