The Northern Tepehuanes say that the cross _is_ Tata Dios, the Christianised Indian's usual designation of God.
The impression that the cross represents a human figure gains further probability by the fact that a cross is erected on the special patio of the dead, and I have noticed that this cross is moved in the course of the ceremonies to the principal dancing place "to see the dancing and drink tesvino," as the Indians explained it.

Surely, this cross represented the dead.
On this page are seen the front and rear view of a cross which is of great interest, although its shape is evidently an exaggerated imitation of a Catholic cross or crucifix.

I came upon it in the mountainous country east of Morelos, and the Tarahumares near the Ranch of Colorados presented it to me.

It had apparently not been made long ago, and was painted with red ochre.

The arms have been tied on in the usual fashion with a twine of fibre, the mode of fastening it appearing most distinctly on the back of the cross.
Seen from the front the designs on the head, or the uppermost part, represent the Morning Star, the dots being his companions, the other stars.