Heading to Puerto Peñasco for Salt

Since their beginning, the Tohono O’odham have made a yearly trek to the Puerto Peñasco region to gather salt.  This journey was essential for the tribe and the young men on it.  It provided salt, a material essential to every lasting civilization for seasoning and preserving food.  For the young men participating in the trip, it was more than just a physical voyage from Point A to Point B; it was also a spiritual journey intended to enlighten them.  During the hottest summer months boys embarking on their rite of passage to manhood would travel up to 100 miles with limited food and water.  The men, boys, aged 16 to 17, and their leader, called a “rain magician,” embarked on a trip with very precise processes that needed to be followed.  Everything from who could sip water at night first to the path was regulated.  For example, no one stepped off the trail so as not to endanger any animals or plants, and then make enemies with that species.  For three days they traveled down to what is now Rocky Point Mexico.   Then then gathered salt, and after began rituals including running into the surf, and throwing 4 handfuls of corn meal (Addison-Sorey).  For many this was their first view of the ocean, a terrifying experience that brought about visions.  Soon they returned home, bringing the salt and blessings for more rain.  Those not already considered to be adults would spend a few weeks living in seclusion pondering their visions, not allowed to eat meat or look at the sun.  While the Tohono O’odham people no longer make this trip, students at ASU make a yearly spring voyage visions and to consume salt (though right before tequila).

Andrea Addison-Sorey, "History of the Puerto Penasco Area: Part 3: Prehistory, Tohono O'odham Salt Pilgrimages"