Page 231 - TheHopiIndians

MESA FOLK OF HOPILAND 223

Keam's Canyon at the time of his death. He was
buried among the rocks at the base of the Walpi mesa
with simple ceremonies appropriate to a chief of his
standing.17
Wiki, the genial, good-hearted old chief of the
Antelope Society was one of the celebrities of Walpi.
His very presence breathed benignity and his heart
was full of kindness. The years were telling on Wiki,
however, and the marks of age were becoming apparent
in his wrinkled face. He gave one the impression of
a Hopi gentleman of the old school, a survivor of the
best of the past generation. Still, Wiki's form was not
bent, nor his hair gray, and he led the Antelope
dance with all the fire of youth. Stored away in his
brain was a vast stock of ancient lore, of legend, myth,
and song. Since he was quite deaf, his body of in
formation was somewhat difficult of access.
Wiki maintained a certain dignity and attention to
his own affairs, which commendable trait a few of the
prominent Hopi possess. He has long been known
by the scientific explorers who have visited Tusayan,
and all who have come in contact with him speak
highly of his good qualities.
Supela is in some respects the antithesis of Wiki.
Wiki was identified with the Antelope Society or
brotherhood. Supela assumed a part in everything.
Great must be Supela 's ability, since he is capable of
counselling the numerous societies on any doubtful
"American Anthropologist (N. S.), Vol. I. Jan.. 1399.