THE VILLAGE DWELLERS. 139 
The beliefs of the Pima and Papago in regard to the 
supernatural fall rather naturally into those concerning 
the more striking manifestations of nature such as 
lightning, thunder, the sun and moon, wind, and rain 
on the one hand; and the conception of superhuman 
personalities such as Earth Magician, who was the 
Creator, and Elder Brother who appeared later on the 
scene but ultimately superseded Earth Magician and 
became the Culture Hero. 
The Creator, or Earth Magician, alone, was floating 
on darkness until he rubbed cuticle from his body 
which, by the aid of white ants he created, became 
the earth. Later there was a flood from the effects 
of which the main personages were saved. Elder 
Brother killed a monster eagle which was preying upon 
humanity. Earth Magician on leaving this upper world 
shed certain impurities from his body which are respon- 
sible for sickness and other human ills. 
The Pima and Papago during the ceremonies repeat 
portions of these myths and sing songs of the super- 
natural persons and animals both ancient and modern. 
The religious beliefs and practices of the Pima and 
Papago are closely similar to those of the pueblo- 
dwellers, but are less elaborate and spectacular. 
