Hopi
 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| United States (Arizona, California) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Hopi |
The Hopi are a Native American nation who primarily live on the 1.5 million acre (6,000 km²) Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona. The reservation is surrounded by the Navajo reservation.
Name
The name Hopi is a shortened form of the title to what they call themselves, Hopituh Sinom, "the people of Hopi". Hopi is a concept deeply rooted in the culture's religion, spirituality, and its view of morality and ethics. To be Hopi is to strive toward this concept, but no one ever achieves in this life. This concept involves a state of total reverence and respect for all things, to be at peace with these things, and to live in accordance with the teachings of maasaw.
A few Hopi live on the Colorado River Indian Reservation on the Colorado River in western Arizona; for information, see Mohave.
The traditional Hopi are organized into matrilineal clans. When a man marries, the children from the relationship are members of his wife's clan. The Bear Clan is one of the more prominent clans.
The Hopi, more than most Native American peoples, retain and continue to practice their traditional ceremonial culture. However, like other tribes, they are severely impacted by the ambient American culture. Traditionally the Hopi were highly skilled subsistence farmers. With the installation of electricity and the necessity of having a motor vehicle and the other things which can be purchased, the Hopi have been moving into a cash economy with many people seeking and holding outside jobs as well as earning money from traditional crafts, particularly the carving and sale of Kachina dolls, highly crafted low fire pottery, and other kwaa traditional crafts such as silversmithing.
The Hopi have been affected by missionary work by several religions and also by consumerism and alcoholism. Nevertheless there remains a traditionalist core.
See also
- Hopi language
- Hopi mythology
- Kachina - spirits, spirit actors, and fettish figures
A film trillogy based upon Hopi Concepts
- Koyaanisqatsi: Life out of balance
- Powaqqatsi: Life in Transformation
- Naqoyqatsi: Life as war
Further reading
- Susanne and Jake Page, Hopi, Abradale Press, Harry N. Abrams, 1994, illustrated oversize hardcover, 230 pages, ISBN 0-8109-8127-0, 1982 edition, ISBN 0-8109-1082-9
- New York Times article, "Reggae Rhythms Speak to an Insular Tribe" by Bruce Weber, September 19, 1999
- The Hopi Way, An Odyssey, Robert Boissiere, Sunstone Press, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1985, trade paperback, 90 pages, ISBN 0-86534-055-2 A journal of contemporary Hopi family and ceremonial life.
External links
