This Tohono O'odham design originally was meant to show the path that a creator figure called Elder Brother, or I'itoi, took to his home beneath Baboquivari Peak in order to elude anyone who might follow him. The Pima also use this design. For them, it represents the floor plan of the home of Elder Brother.

In the past century, the story most often heard describes this design as the path of life, though there is some disagreement as to whether the figure is entering or leaving the maze. The design lends itself well to the path-of-life interpretation as it has no shortcuts, no dead ends, and the entire path must be followed in order to complete the journey.