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Show Ongtupka, Sacred Hopi Geography of the Grand Canyon 2 in the Grand Canyon left their mark in the form of petroglyphs that can still be seen today. These clans include the Antelope, Badger, Bear, Bearstrap, Bow, Fire, Flute, Greasewood, Katsina, Lizard, Parrot, Rattlesnake, Reed, Sand, Spider, Sun, Tobacco, Turkey, Water, and Water Spider Clans. Salt Woman The Hopi people call the Grand Canyon Ongtupka, "Salt Canyon" since an important source of salt is located near the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers. The non-Indians call this the Hopi Salt Mine. At Hopi this salt is personified as Salt Woman. When Salt Woman took her place in the Grand Canyon, a series of shrines were established along the trail from the Hopi Mesas to Ongtupka and the Hopis were instructed on the prayers and offerings that need to be made at these places when they visit the canyon to partake of her. This Salt Trail continues to provide a physical link between the Hopi Villages and the Grand Canyon. Maski As the Grand Canyon is the place of beginning, so too is it the ending place. The spirits of the Hopi's ancestors return to and inhabit the Grand Canyon. The deity Ma'asaw also resides in the Grand Canyon and his awesome presence can be felt there. The geography of the Grand Canyon is consequently imbued with an extremely powerful spiritual character. Ongtupka is not a place where Hopis go casually. One must be spiritually, emotionally, and mentally prepared for the hardships and tests that are faced when visiting such a powerful and potentially dangerous area. Prayers and Shrines Many prayers and offerings are made at villages on the Hopi Mesas and spiritually sent to the Grand Canyon. Out of the Grand Canyon come the ancestors in the form of the life-giving rain needed for Hopi crops. Shrines on the rim of the Grand Canyon are visited in a pilgrimage that pays homage to Tutsqua, the sacred land of the Hopis. |
