Kokyangwuti

Introduction

Kokyangwuti is the mother of the Hopi tribe and the primary goddess of the culture for most of the native tribes of Southwest America. In the myths, she created humans from clay and led them to the Fourth World.

The Navajo tribe also has a similar deity who they refer to as Spider Woman. Many cultures from around the world have references to Gods who take the form of a spider like the God Anansi in African mythology.

Physical Traits

The Kokyangwuti is often depicted as an old aging woman or in the form of a common spider. She usually resides in an underground in a cave or hole when she is in the form of a spider.

Family

She is frequently described as a co-collaborator with Tawa, the Sun God whom she helped create the universe and all the living beings. She is also considered to be the mother of all living things that came into existence after Tawa and herself.

Other Names

Kokyangwuti is also known as the Spider Grandmother, Spider Woman and Gogyeng Sowuhti.  She is also refered by different names depending on the region or the tribe that worships her.

Powers and Abilities

The Spider Grandmother is believed to have created all the living beings and gave them souls. She crafted all the humans in her and Tawa’s likeness out of clay and then breathed life into them. She had to redo her creation multiple times till she had them exactly as she wanted them.

When she is called upon, she will help people in many ways, such as giving advice or providing medicinal cures.

Modern Day Influence

Kokyangwuti is still worshiped by the Native American tribes of Southwest USA and many tribes still keep their traditions alive. The concept of an old spider has been referenced in popular culture in the form of cartoons and characters in children’s books.