The Small
Idol Between Two Of The Sticks Is A Figurine Of Chowilawn.
The symbol to the right of the altar on the back wall, consisting of
several semicircles, is that of towering rain clouds, with two rays of
lightning emanating upward from it.
The small, black lines on the lower
border represent rain. To the left of the altar, on the same wall, appears
the typical Hopi sun symbol, and on the left side wall that of the mythical
water serpent, Balolookang. All of these wall pictures, however, are not an
essential part of the altar.
This altar, like the one of the Tao Society, was reproduced by Mr. Voth.
One of the subjects of his study was this altar and the various ceremonies
connected with it, and while he was making these studies he succeeded in
obtaining the photographs, drawings, measurements, notes, etc., from which
he reproduced this elaborate piece of sacred Hopi ceremonial paraphernalia.
Hopi Door. The door itself leading into this Altar Room is an interesting
antique. It is a real Hopi door, brought from Oraibi, and supposed to be
not less than one hundred and fifty years old. Its quaint method of
swinging, the way it is put together and fastened with nothing but rawhide
thongs, reveals, as few things could, the interesting inventions of
necessity. Prior to their knowledge and use of doors, which they
undoubtedly gained from the Mexicans, their doorways were closed by slabs
of rock, as described in the chapter on "The First Discoverers and
Inhabitants of the Grand Canyon." Those who have read that chapter will
find many things of especial interest in this fascinating house.
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