Masauwu

Introduction

In Hopi mythology, the skeleton man or Masauwu is regarded as the Lord of the Dead. In one epic story, he is a cultural hero who taught the people about the importance of agriculture. He is also known to be a trickster who would chase women.

The various scandalous and funny stories about the skeleton man have made him an appealing character. Although his appearance can be frightening, he is regarded as a good friend of humans and can be trusted to look after the Hopi people in their afterlife.

Physical Traits

Masauwu was described as hideous but was also given various favorable attributes, is a representation of the diversity of myths prevalent among the Hopi people. He was either described as a fearsome creature or a handsome man beneath his mask.

Family

In some stories, Tawa the Sun God is considered to be the father of Masauwu.

Other names

Masauwu is also known as the Skeleton Man, Masau’u, Maasawi, Masawu, Maasaw, Masaaw, Masauwu, Masaw, Masao or Mosau’u)

Powers and Abilities

The powerful being known as Masauwu is the keeper of fire and the Spirit of Death. He was also the ruler of the Upper World, and he was able to help the good people escape from the wicked Third World. The surface of the Earth is ruled by a powerful being who has the power to reign over the underworld, fire, and death. According to one legend, Masauwu was able to establish the Hopi at the site of the ancient city of Oraibi. He was also charged with protecting the people from the coming of the Lost White Brother.

The Hopi world, as well as the underworld beneath the earth, belong to Masauwu. He is a dreadful and powerful being who wears a bloody and bald mask on his head. Because of this, men cannot look at his face. According to the Hopi, he is a handsome man with long black hair and a dark complexion. Masauwu is also regarded as a great giant.

Upon encountering the Hopi in the underworld, they found Masauwu’s footprints as the first sign that something was not right. Now, instead of walking at night, Masauwu only carries a flaming torch, and he always starts out with his round. He walks around the world with the torch in his hands, and he keeps burning.

Modern Day Influence

The skeleton man, also known as Maasaw, taught the Hopi people how to live a simple life. He would often offer various items, such as seeds, water, a gourd, and a cloak to demonstrate his virtue. If the people would dedicate their lives to practicing proper agricultural practices, Masauwu would ensure that they would have a smooth journey into the afterlife.

The traditional practices of the Hopi people are focused on being kind and helpful to others. Masauwu is regarded as a force of good that can be intimidating for some people, but he is also a good example of how to live a long and happy life.

Like hunters, the Hopi believe that death is necessary for survival. It is also accompanied by the protection of animal spirits. In times of war and sickness, Masauwu is called upon to help carry the spirits of the departed to and from the fourth world.