The Navajo Indians consider themselves the “always” hosts of this place, as they are the immediate successors of those who lived in the area from at least the first century B.C.E. Anasazi Indians. Important religious ceremonies take place in Monument Valley. In certain locations of Monument Valley, some religious ceremonies include the Squaw Dance and the Yei Bi Chei as well as the Rain Dance, Feather Dance, and Sacred Fire Dance take place. The first two were performed in Monument Valley for the first time, and are still being performed there. A distinguished member of the community always performs the nine-day Yei Bi Chei dance and according to Navajo beliefs, it this ceremony has healing power. The Women’s Dance is related to the initiation of girls, and during it, scenes are played that describe winter tales about hibernating animals.
Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the United States, initiated by John Ford, who, fascinated by the place, eagerly placed his films there