BEYOND THE PALE: ( The Outlander ) (33 page)

Before the Great Spirit
hid himself again, he placed before the leaders of the four different racial
groups four different colors and sizes of corn; each was to choose which would
be their food in this world. The Hopi waited until last and picked the smallest
ear of corn. At this, the Great Spirit said:

“It is well done. You have obtained the real
corn, for all the others are imitations in which are hidden seeds of different
plants. You have shown me your intelligence; for this reason I will place in
your hands these sacred stone tablets, Tiponi, symbol of power and authority
over all land and life to guard, protect, and hold in trust for me until I
shall return to you in a later day, for I am the First and I am the Last.”

Hopi myth.