Scott Thybony delves into an ancient Hopi legend of a young boy’s daring voyage on the Colorado River, illuminating the profound ties between past and present. His journey alongside the story’s protagonist, Tiyo, offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced centuries ago.
While navigating the Colorado River, just below the infamous Lava Falls, Thybony’s thoughts wandered to an old tale from the Hopi mesas. A story of Tiyo, a young adventurer, who centuries ago dared to drift through the Grand Canyon’s treacherous waters. Familiar with the river’s unpredictability, Thybony could only imagine the perils Tiyo confronted.
The Legend of Tiyo
Known as Tiyo, meaning ‘boy’ in Hopi, this brave young soul lived near the mountain Tokonavi during an intense drought. From the cliff’s edge, he often observed the relentless flow of the Colorado River and pondered its destination. Driven by a desire to help his drought-stricken people, Tiyo embarked on a mission to uncover the river’s secrets to summon rain.
Seeking more about Tiyo’s epic, Thybony visited the library after his river trip. He discovered varied story versions dating back to the 1880s. These narratives described Tiyo’s vessel, crafted from hollow cottonwood, and detailed the prayer feathers he carried for protection. While these stories hinted at mystical encounters, they lacked emphasis on the river’s fiercest elements—a stark contrast to what captivated Thybony.
A narrative from the Antelope Clan’s head priest on First Mesa resonated with Thybony. Tiyo, he said, “floated over smooth waters and swift-rushing torrents, plunged down cataracts, and for many days spun through wild whirlpools, where black rocks protruded their heads like angry bears.” Such vivid imagery mirrored Thybony’s own experiences on the river.
The Journey Beyond
Tiyo’s journey continued to the open sea, where he abandoned his boat to travel on foot in an unfamiliar land. His survival hinged on Old Spider Woman, a guardian spirit in Hopi beliefs. Eventually, Tiyo discovered a grand kiva filled with rattlesnakes, which transformed into human forms after shedding their skins. The Snake chief then inducted Tiyo into a ceremonial society, teaching him the rain-bringing ritual. Accompanied by the Snake Girl, Tiyo returned to Tokonavi, introducing the Snake Dance ceremony, and soon the rains came.
Intrigued by a mural at Desert View illustrating Tiyo’s voyage, Thybony visited the Grand Canyon for a firsthand look. The Watchtower, towering seventy feet above a deep gorge, housed dramatic images, including an original mural by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. This artwork, inspired by stories from Kabotie’s grandmother, depicted Tiyo’s river journey.
The mural’s quadrants illustrate Tiyo’s adventure: holding prayer feathers, navigating through the Grand Canyon, learning rain ceremonies from the Rattlesnake Clan chief, and finally, returning home with the Snake Girl.
For Thybony, the Hopi legend bridged his experiences as a river guide with ancient traditions. By venturing into the river’s current, he found a connection with Tiyo’s age-old expedition.
Scott Thybony is a Flagstaff-based writer. His Canyon Commentaries are produced by KNAU Arizona Public Radio and air on the last Friday of each month.
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