Tarahumaras

Tarahumaras, a Mexican people widespread in the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Durango, are a branch of the Opata-Pima family, remarkable for the tenacity with which they have adhered to the old national usages and language. Some are even still cave-dwellers, though the great majority are now "Mexican citizens" and nominal Christians; but they still observe some of the old rites, which, despite the protests of their pastors, are accompanied by the sacrifice of a sheep or a calf. The Tarahumaras, i,e. "runners," are passionately fond of such public games as involve trials of skill and endurance. At tribal gatherings foot-races and other sports are often kept up for days together. In the state of Chihuahua, where they are most numerous, they still number about 40,000.