334 Snake Dance, Walpi Pueblo

334 SNAKE DANCE, Hopi Rattlesnakes and sidewinders are gathered, washed and blessed by the Hopi Priests, who then dance with the snakes hanging from their mouths. As the Hopi pray for rain to nourish the crops and renew life, the snakes act as sacred messengers that carry their petitions to the Spirit World. Photograph by Ben Wittick, 1889