Spiders and Insects in Hopi Indian Mythology and Religion: A Preliminary Study
Spiders and insects play an important role in Hopi Indian mythology and religion. They often appear in ancient rock art, on wall-paintings, and on ceremonial paraphernalia. They play a significant role in myths and tales for good and bad. Insects are conceptualized as beneficial, life-bearing creatures in the origin myths of rituals or as evil assistants in witchcraft and black magic. There is no general systematic study of spiders and insects in Hopi Indian mythology and religion. There are, however, a small number of studies that focus on particular insects, and there are, of course, references to insects throughout the literature. This preliminary study will explore various ways that spiders and insects figure in Hopi thought and behavior.