The Pueblo Emergence from the Underworld
A central Pueblo creation theme across multiple Pueblo tribes (Acoma, Zuni, Hopi, Laguna, etc.) involves the emergence of the first people from the underworld through a sacred opening called the sipapu. In the beginning, the people lived in darkness beneath the earth. Guided by spirits, culture heroes, or twin war gods, they climbed up through four underground worlds, each representing a stage of development. They used a giant reed, spruce tree, or ladder to ascend. As they climbed, they transformed from insect-like or unfinished beings into fully formed humans. The last people to emerge were