Spider Grandmother

Kookyangwso’wuuti

Hopi helper who guides the people through the turning of the worlds

Kookyangwso’wuuti, Spider Grandmother, is a helper and guide in Hopi (Hopisinom) sacred history in northern Arizona. When earlier worlds closed, she aided the people on their way into this Fourth World. In the most common telling, she caused a hollow reed to rise so they could climb out. In many tellings she also teaches weaving and pottery, and she helps individual heroes such as Tiyo.

Hopi accounts of her origin differ. In the account recorded by the writer Frank Waters, Sótuknang makes her as his helper, while in other tellings she works alongside Tawa, the Sun. Each Hopi village and clan keeps its own versions, and much is held within the community, so no single telling is the Hopi story. This page shares only what is public.

Kookyangwso’wuuti

No. 290

How to recognise Spider Grandmother

SpiderShe can take the shape of a common, ordinary spider, a reminder that this helper may be found in the humblest of creatures.
Timeless elderShe can also appear as an old, timeless woman, the "Grandmother" of her name, who guides with age and care.
Underground homeIn spider form she lives underground, in a hole like a kiva, which places her close to the earth from which the people emerged.
Hollow reedIn the most common telling she causes a hollow reed to grow up into the sky so the people can climb out into the next world.
Reed boatsIn another telling, mainly from Oraibi, she seals the righteous inside hollow reeds that float as boats, carrying them safely through the turning of the worlds.
Weaving and potteryIn many tellings she is a teacher of weaving and pottery, so spinning and craft are linked with her.

Names and titles

Helper of the Fourth WorldShe helped the Hopi people into the present, Fourth World
Old Spider WomanA common English rendering of her Hopi name
The Reed Reaching SkywardIn the most common telling she caused a hollow reed to grow up into the sky
Teacher of Weaving and PotteryIn the third world she taught the people to weave and make pots
Guide Through the WorldsShe guided the people from one world to the next