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Hopi Snake Priest entering Snake Kiva, Oraibi, Arizona, USA
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Hopi Snake Priest entering Snake Kiva, Oraibi, Arizona, USA
Hopi Snake Priest entering The Snake Kiva (or Sacred Dwelling ), Oraibi, Arizona, USA. This is the depository for snakes collected during eight days prior to the ceremony, where they are stored in jars (pictured). loin cloth whip Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 11562876
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Arizona Cloth Depository Dwelling Entering Enters Homes Hopi Jars Loin Peoples Priest Sacred Settlement Snake Snakes Whip Kiva Oraibi
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, a Hopi Snake Priest is depicted entering the Snake Kiva, or Sacred Dwelling, in the ancient Hopi settlement of Oraibi, Arizona, USA. Dating back to the 1100s, Oraibi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States and is home to the Hopi people, an indigenous American tribe known for their rich cultural traditions and deep spiritual connection to the land. The Snake Kiva is a significant religious site where snakes are collected during an eight-day ceremony prior to the annual Snake Dance. The snakes are then carefully stored in jars, as seen in the photograph, to be used in the upcoming ritual. The Snake Priest, dressed in a loin cloth and wielding a whip, is seen making his way into the kiva, likely to perform a crucial role in the upcoming ceremony. The Hopi people have a deep reverence for snakes, which are considered sacred beings and messengers of the gods. The Snake Dance, which takes place in late June, is a celebration of the rain gods and is believed to ensure a good harvest. The dance is accompanied by music, chanting, and the handling of live snakes by the priests. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the sacred practices of the Hopi people and provides a window into their rich cultural heritage. The Hopi Snake Priest's entrance into the Snake Kiva is a powerful and symbolic moment, reminding us of the deep spiritual connection that the Hopi people have to their land and their traditions. This image is a testament to the enduring power of indigenous cultures and the importance of preserving their histories and traditions for future generations.
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