shalako

Kachina, for example, also denotes one of the elaborately masked dancers who impersonate a kachina at agricultural ceremonies, and yeibichai and shalako similarly have the same kind of dual usage.

VERBATIM: The Language Quarterly Vol X No 3 1984

(NID3 describes the word as being akin to pauwau, a Natick word for conjurer, as well as meaning a tribal council or conference with an Indian leader or group, whence its modern meaning.) shalako a Zuñli ceremony which celebrated the advent or departure of the kachinas (see above) and in which dancers inpersonating a Zuñi mythical being of extraordinary stature played a central role. yeibichai a Navaho initiation or curative ceremony performed by masked dancers representing a supernatural being.

VERBATIM: The Language Quarterly Vol X No 3 1984