Contrary to outside perceptions of "snake worship," the Hopi view snakes as "elder brothers" and messengers to the spirit world.
Dancers typically work in groups of three: a carrier who holds a live snake (often in their mouth), a hugger who strokes the snake with an eagle-feather whip to keep it calm, and a gatherer who retrieves the snakes once they are released on the ground. snake_dance
For four days, clan members venture into the desert to collect various snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes and non-venomous bull snakes. Contrary to outside perceptions of "snake worship," the
Dancers often wear red kilts with black zigzag patterns (representing snakes) and smear their bodies with clay. The ceremony is accompanied by deep, rhythmic chanting and the shaking of gourd rattles. snake_dance