#snakepriest

[dog-teeth]

hogling gets replaced

[peyrani]

Centuries old #Paintings inside the #Watchtower tell the #Legend of the #SnakePriest, the first navigator of the Colorado River. #DesertView #GrandCanyon #Arizona Painted by #FredKabotie #FamilyRoadtrip2017 #PeyranisRoute66 (at Desert View Watchtower)

[moonfattie]

s n a k e c h a r m e r

The "Snake Dance" is performed even today although the picture is of a Snake Priest Circa 1890. The dance takes about two weeks to prepare and the snakes are gathered and watched over by the children. The snakes are usually rattle snakes and are dangerous but no harm seems to befall the children. Before the dance begins the dancers take an emetic (probably a sedative herb or hallucinogenic) and then dance with the snakes in their mouths. There is usually an Antelope Priest in attendance who helps with the dance, sometimes stroking the snakes with a feather or supporting their weight. After the dance the snakes are released to carry the prayers of the dancers.

http://www.crystalinks.com/hopi.html