The Four Worlds of the Hopi


In Hopi mythology, the four directions (and their principle colors) are associated with cosmic epochs. These ages or worlds are represented by the levels of the sacred kiva (ceremonial lodge) used to perform many of the annual cycle of Hopi rituals.

The bottom level of the kiva is a sunken fire pit referred to as “the Place of Beginning,” which represents the first world. Next to the fire pit a small hole in the floor called sipapu. The sipapu denotes the umbilical cord to mother earth and is symbolic of the mythological emergence from the first world.

The altar level of the kiva represents the second world. A ladder, which reaches to the raised level of the third world, symbolizes the “reed” which humanity climbed in its emergence from the second world. Finally, the opening in the roof of the kiva represents the entrance to the present, fourth world. The Hopis ritually re-enacted the passages from world during the cycle of the entire year.

1st World2nd World3rd World4th World
NameTokpelaTokpaKuskurzaTuwaqachi
MeaningEndless
space		Dark
midnight		No meaning
not known		World
complete
State of
Humanity		Creation and
innocence
(state of
nature)		The Fall or
”closing the door”
(tribes and
villages)		CitiesPresent
day
Destroyed byFireIceFlood
DirectionWestSouthEastNorth
ColorYellowBlueRedYellowish-white
MineralGold
(Sikyasvu)		Silver
(Qochasiva)		Copper
(Palasiva)		Mixed mineral
(Sikya pala)
Significant
Creatures		Katoya
(Snake with
a big head)
****
Wisoko
(Fish-eating
bird)
****
Muha
(Little four-
leaved plant)
Kolichiyaw
(Shunk)

****
Kwahu
(Eagle)

****
Salavi
(Spruce)

Choovio
(Antelope)

****
Angwusi
(Crow)

****
Piva
(Tobacco)

Tohopko
(mountain lion)

****
Mongwau
(Owl)

****
Kneumaper
(Juniper)