by Lester Crooke

These figures are created from a Havasupai legend of the Guardians of the Grand Canyon. The Havasupai are said to be the First People of the Grand Canyon, and they, indeed, are the only ones who still inhabit it on a full time basis, living about 2 hours away from the Grand Canyon Village.

It is said that there once was a man who had five wives. Another man who asked to acquire one of the wives soon visited the first. Unfortunately, the request of the second man was turned down. At this point, the second man was so distraught, that he traveled to the edge of the Grand Canyon where the Big Horn Sheep roam freely. In his despair, he laid down at the edge of the Canyon and soon fell asleep. It is unclear how long he slept, for as he awoke he became aware of some drastic changes to his body. The braids that he once wore in his hair had become horns, and his strong athletic legs had grown the hooves of the Big Horn Sheep. The fingers on his hand grew together, also as hooves. He had, in essence, become a human version of a Big Horn Sheep. Legend says that this figure now roams the rim of the Grand Canyon, acting as the protector of all those who inhabit the Grand Canyon. The female companion that is often seen with him may represent the wife that he so painstakingly sought.

When danced in ceremony, the Ram Dance has four rams and four lady companions, and the dance itself may be danced in any given year.