So, doing some research in to the Yaqui tribes, their main religious dance is the Deer Song and Deer Dance (Oficio Achalim) that they use in enchanting their different spiritual worlds and forces in bringing in their traditional belief. In this case, H
uya Ania: Wilderness World. (I'll post references for you afterwords). So, after you read and watch the video, I would keep it as simple as you can in keeping some Yaqui traditions while keeping a Western feel to it:
It was early afternoon when the Deer Dancer took center attention as the tribes Chief and the single musician, playing a rudimentary tabor drum and whistle sat off to the side. The lone male Deer Dancer was shirtless with seashell leggings, wearing a simple grass back skirt breachers and a mounted deer stags head upon his own head. And in both of his hands he held a pair of large maracas that he shook to the rhythm of the high pitched and rapid pace of the musicians drumming. The tribe's chief joined in with the musicians low to high lilting whistle playing as the dancer shook the maracas to the fast rhythm of the drum. The Deer Dancer then moved in a way that mimicked a deer in a choreographed fashion to the singing of the tribes Chief.
"Have you seen anything like this?" Chen asked leaning over to Sam.
"Once", answered Sam, "but this is nothing like what I saw from the Lakota tribes up north. This is something different."
The two regained their respect for what was happening before them, despite their own disbeliefs, when the Deer Dancer dropped and took the form of a resting deer as the musician and Chief stopped in unison. The air moved towards them from the nearby forest filling everyone with the forest's spirit of its animal, plant and insect life force. Food, water, medicine, shelter, life and certain death. Music and silence all at once. Sam was caught up in the moment when he felt a dark emptiness coming from the forest.
"Did you feel that?" San asked Chen as he stood drawing his revolver, but the tribe's chief and elders motioned for him to stay calm and sit back down. Sam did so while turning his attention to Chen.
"Chen, did you feel that?"
"Feel it? I was one with it until you interrupted! Oh, now look what you gone and done!" Chen stood and began to gather his saddle and bedding. "Come on, Sam. Best for us to get going."
"What? Into that forest?"
"Of course! Where else are we supposed to go?
"Are you telling me you believe this stuff, Chen?" Sam asked holstering his revolver.
"Why not? If it good enough for them, why should it not be good enough for us?" Chen asked. "This is no difference than what my parents did back home in China.
"Please, sit and listen to the Forest. It has much to tell us." The tribes Chief said while motioning to Sam and Chen.
" I think we should do what the Chief said, Chen. I think we should listen to what the forest has to say. Don't you agree?" Sam motioned for Chen to sit.
"Dang it, Sam! For someone who feels this is a waste of time, you sure aren't taking any chances here. And that's just what my parents would say too."
(Fill in, change or what have you. Just my play on your story Timben.)
Yaqui Myths and Legends: Cultural Setting
Yaqui - Wikipedia
Culture - Pascua Yaqui Tribe
