Page 183 - TheHopiIndians

MESA FOLK OF HOPILAND 175

It is not often granted one to stand at the center of
the world. The feeling ought not to be different from
that occasioned by standing at any other place on the
earth, but in the presence of the shrine by which the
Walpians mark that mysterious spot a number of in
quiries spring up in the mind. At Jerusalem, at
Mecca, and at perhaps a hundred other places are au
thentic earth centers, each fixed by edicts of church or
the last word of wise men and upheld against all
comers. The disputes over the center of the world in
the times before men knew that the world was round
are amusing to enlightened nineteenth century people.
The Hopi felt the need of an earth center just as
other benighted folks did in early times, so beneath
the mesa cliffs among the rocks they placed their shrine
and bestowed their offerings. Just what the Hopi be
lieve about this particular shrine no doubt would be
very interesting.
Other shrines abound near each pueblo and are
likely to be happened upon in out-of-the-way places
among the rocks where the offerings are scattered
about, some new with fresh paint and feathers and
some much weather-worn. Near the Sun Spring at
Walpi there is a spot where many rounded blocks of
wood lie on the ground. This is the Eagle Shrine and
the bits of wood represent eagle eggs; the green paint
and cotton string with the prayer feather decorating
them soon disappear in the sun and wind.
While it is not good policy to pry around these