The Urine Dance of the Zuni Indians of New Mexico

Published in 1920, 'The Urine Dance of the Zuni Indians of New Mexico' by John Gregory Bourke is an ethnological study that examines a unique ritual of the Zuni Indians involving the consumption of human urine during a ceremonial dance. Bourke, a U.S. Army Captain, provides a firsthand account of this shocking and grotesque performance, which parodies elements of Catholic worship while reflecting on the historical hardships faced by the Zuni people. The book highlights the intertwining of religious and medicinal practices within indigenous cultures, offering a vivid portrayal of a complex cultural tradition.