Manataka American Indian Council
Spider Tower
A
Zuni Story
In
Dead Man's Canyon, a deep gorge that is lateral to the once populated valley of
the Rio De Chelly, Az., stands a stark spire of weathered sandstone, its top
rising 800 ft. above its base in a sheer uplift. Centuries ago a hunter of one
of the cave villages was surprised by hostiles while hunting in this region. He
was chased by them into this canyon. As he ran he looked vainly from side to
side in the hope of finding a hiding place but help came from a source that was
least expected. upon approaching this enormous spire, with his strength well
nigh exhausted, he saw a silken cord hanging from a notch at the top. Quickly
knotting the end about his waist, so that it would not fall within the reach of
his pursuers, he climbed up, setting his feet into roughness of the stone and
advancing hand over hand. When he reached the summit, he stayed drinking dew and
feeding on birds eggs until his enemies went away. After his foes had gone, he
descended by the cord and was able to reach his home.
The help came from a friendly spider who saw his plight from her perch at the
top of the spire. She weaved a web of extra thickness, attached one end fast to
a rock while the other fell within the hunter's grasp. The spider liked the
gentle cave dwellers who lived near by and caused her no trouble where as the
pursuers were without remorse and could not be trusted.
Ever since this time and even today this spire is known as Spider Tower.
Our thanks to Blue Panther blue_panther@mindspring.com