What is that? A Sonoran icon.

As you cruise into Hermosillo from the north on Mexican Highway 15, you'll pass a dynamic silhouette of a figure sprouting horns.

What was that?

Could it be a version of that classic southwest cliché Kokopelli, smoothed out a bit to give it a regional spin?

A sign promoting the next lucha libre event in town?

Well, "no" and "no." What you've just passed, while worrying about missing the turnoff for San Carlos, is a representation of a Yaqui Deer Dancer.

The Yaqui are a Native American people who originally inhabited the Rio Yaqui valley and surrounding regions in Sonora. The Yaqui today still perform the Deer Dance ritual during ceremonies throughout the year, particularly during Easter.

According to Muriel Thayer Painter's guide "A Yaqui Easter," the dance originated as part of "hunting rituals held on the night before a deer hunt. It is believed that these dances and songs persuaded the deer to give himself up to the hunter."

Sonora has adopted the Deer Dancer as its state symbol, and you'll see him on the state flag and elsewhere.

So now you know.

Learn more about the Yaqui people here.