Hopi Indian Reservation

The Hopi (the Indian term is Moki, the "peaceable people"), numbering only about 7,000, belong to the group of sedentary Pueblo Indians (Shoshones) and are totally different from the Navajo, within whose territory their small reservation lies. As village dwelling, tillers of the soil and cattle rearers the Hopi inevitably came into conflict with the Navajo, ever looking for new pastures for their herds. Living in seclusion for more than a thousand years in pueblos on three large tabular hills (the First Mesa, Second and Third Mesas) the Hopi Indians have a common tribal council, but the individual villages are largely self-governing under a hereditary or elected chief. The Hopi are very reserved in their dealings with outsiders and try to keep "palefaces" away from their traditional religious ceremonies (the fire dance, the eagle dance, the masked dances of the kachina spirits). Before visiting a village the permission of the chief must be obtained, and this is not readily granted; and taking photographs and making sketches are frowned upon.

Art

The Hopi practice various crafts (basketwork, jewelry, pottery), but their specialty is carving figures of kachinas - spirits representing various life forces which form a link between men and their Creator - usually from the roots of poplar trees. The sand painting which is still practiced - a ritual in which the medicine man scatters colored sand in magical symbols, which are wiped away after the ceremony - also has an artistic aspect. In the Hopi Cultural Center on the Second Mesa (on U.S. 264) are an interesting museum and shops selling Indian crafts, as well as a motel.

Conduct of visitors

It is forbidden to take photographs of people or buildings without permission, and cine cameras, video recorders and tape recorders must not be used at religious ceremonies. On all Indian reserves there is an absolute ban on alcohol which is enforced by the tribal police. The reason for the ban is that the Indians lack a particular enzyme which breaks down alcohol and facilitates its absorption in the body, and in consequence alcohol has a much more powerful effect on them. Visitors must of course themselves observe the ban.

Address: Box 123, Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039-0123, United States

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Related Attractions

Second Mesa

Second Mesa is one of three mesas inhabited by the Hopi Indians. There are three villages: Mishongnovi, Shipaulovi and Shungopavi.

Shungopavi was founded by the Bear Clan and the clan allowed other clans to move to the area in exchange for beneficial skill or ceremony that was unique to that clan. This village is notable due to the remarkable silver overlay jewelry and coiled plaques.

Sipaulovi was established when a number of clans were sent to begin a new village to ensure Hopi survival from possible Spanish reprisal after the Pueblo Revolt. Mishongnovi was originally established just below the edge of Second Mesa but it moved to its present site in the 1690's.

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Hopi Cultural Center Museum

The Hopi Cultural Center Museum is on the west side of Second Mesa. It features exhibits on Hopi customs, ceremonies, crafts and history.

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Second Mesa Mishongnovi

Mishongnovi is one of three villages on Second Mesa, in the Hopi Indian Reservation.

Second Mesa Shungopavi

Shungopavi is the largest of three villages on Second Mesa in the Hopi Indian Reservation.

Second Mesa Shipaulovi

Shipaulovi is one of three villages on Second Mesa in the Hopi Indian Reservation.

Third Mesa

Third Mesa is one of three mesas inhabited by the Hopi Indians. Kykotsmovi was founded near a spring at the base of the Third Mesa. The name means Mound of Ruined Houses.

Old Oraibi is a pueblo on the edge of Third Mesa that dates from 1150 and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the US.

The village of Hotevilla was established in 1906 and is known for its dances, basketry, and other crafts.

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Third Mesa Bacavi

Bacavi is a Hopi village on Third Mesa founded in 1909 after a split with Old Oraibi. Old Oraibi is considered the oldest continuously inhabited village in North America. Moenkopi began as a farming village and later became a permanent settlement.

The Hopi people of the Third Mesa are renowned for wicker basketry, weaving, kachina doll carving and silver smithing.

Third Mesa Old Orabi

The village of Orabi on the Third Mesa is probably the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the United States.

Old Orabi dates from AD 1150.

Old Orabi - Hopi Gallery of Art

The Hopi Gallery of Art is located on Third Mesa, near Old Orabi.

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Third Mesa Hotevilla

Hotevilla is a Hopi village on Third Mesa, founded in 1906 after a split with Old Orabi.

Third Mesa Kykotsmovi

Kykotsmovi is a small village located at the foot of the Third Mesa. It was established in the latter years of the 19th C.

First Mesa

First Mesa is one of three mesas inhabited by the Hopi Indians. Walpi is the oldest village at First Mesa, it was established in 1690. Walpi features cliff-edge houses and scenic views. The village of Sichomovi was founded in the mid 1700's when Walpi became too crowded.

First Mesa villages are noted for their world-renowned hand-coiled pottery.

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First Mesa Walpi

Walpi is a Hopi village at the tip of First Mesa. Home to only a couple dozen inhabitants, Walpi has no electricity, no running water, and can only be visited with an authorized guide.

First Mesa Hano

Though Hano is on First Mesa in the Hopi Indian Reservation, it is actually a settlement of the Tewa tribe.

First Mesa Polacca

Polacca is a settlement just below First Mesa in the Hopi Indian Reservation.

First Mesa Sichomovi

Sichomovi is a Hopi village on First Mesa in the Hopi Indian Reservation.

Antelope Mesa

Antelope Mesa is located on the Hopi Indian Reservation east of Polacca. It was originally established in the year 700, east of present-day Keams Canyon.

Awatovi

Awatovi is an abandoned Hopi settlement on Antelope Mesa. It was destroyed in the 18th C during a conflict between the Hopi and the Spanish. Awatovi was a village, of multi-level dwellings, kivas, storage areas and plazas. The ruins contain the remains of a 500-year-old pueblo and a 17th C Spanish mission.

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