Betatakin is a huge cliff dwelling located in northern Arizona. It was built by the Kayenta Anasazi during the Pueblo II and III periods. Modern Hopi identify the circular pictograph as representing the Fire Clan. The Anthropomorph at its center may represent Masau (god of earth, fire, and the dead). At least this is the mainstream line of reasoning.

Pat McCreery and Ekkehart Malotki propose a different interpretation. They believe the figure on the shield to be female and represents the figure known among modern Pueblo peoples as Tiikuywuuti, Child-Water Woman. Although she is a figure related to the hunt and fertility (child birth as well) she is said to have the attribute of causing men who see her to freeze in terror. This may explain the reason why she is on a defensive shield.

Shields located near ruins may have been created to act as social symbolism or as defensive magic. As social symbolism they could act as identifiers and promote unity. As defensive magic their presence could act as a form of protection. Just as an individual could be protected by holding a physical shield, a dwelling associated with the painted shield could be protected by the magical influence of the shield.