Thomas and the Chu'tiva Snake Dance (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798903011001)

The story of "Thomas and the Chu'tiva Snake Dance" reflects the Hopi culture and the adventures of the young Hopi Indian boy, Thomas Polywetewa. He is learning about the ceremonies important to the Hopi people and wants to live "the Hopi way."

The activities during the summer Tusayan ceremony provide the basis for Thomas's adventures. The story describes Hopi life, including the snake dance, or Chu'tiva, a complex and important ceremony of the Hopis living on Second Mesa in Northern Arizona.

In the book, Thomas learns more about his culture from his grandfather, the most important elder in the Snake Clan. In doing so, Thomas participates in a portion of the long Tusayan ceremony and watches the Chu'tiva, or snake dance, with his grandfather and the President of the United States. Hoping to please the Hopi spirits, the ceremony is intended to assure the Hopis of plentiful summer rains that feed their mesa lands, gardens, and fruit trees.

"Thomas and the Chu'tiva Snake Dance" is a wonderful story that introduces readers to the unique culture of the Hopi indigenous people and the adventures of the youngster Thomas Polywetewa.