Tribal lands, AZ and NM. Part 2: Hopi. March and April 2016

Continuing with this broad topic.

Surrounded by thousands of acres of Navajo land is Hopi tribal land.  We drove through this stark but beautiful landscape and stopped at Second Mesa to tour the Hopi Cultural Centre.

 From their website, http://www.hopiculturalcenter.com/  "We Hopi are known for having lived here as a people continuously from ancient time. Where we are located today in present-day Arizona is where we have always lived with roots back in time to some one hundred generations in our land. Our culture, therefore, is one of the first (oldest) on the continent.Traditionally agricultural and respectful people, the Hopi are tightly knit together by clan relationship. Considered the "oldest of the native people" the Hopi reside in 12 traditional villages, home to a total population of about 10,000. Each village is self-governing and members of the tribe identify themselves with their village and clan."

Like the Navajo museum, the Hopi cultural center recounts Hopi history and details aspects of Hopi culture.  One intriguing feature of Hopi culture is the Katsina (or Kachina).  

" Hopi katsina figures, also known as kachina dolls are figures carved, typically from cottonwood root, to instruct young girls and new brides about katsinas or katsinam, the immortal beings that bring rain, control other aspects of the natural world and society, and act as messengers between humans and the spirit world. 

Hopi people live primarily on three mesas in Northeastern Arizona, about 70 miles from Flagstaff. In Hopi cosmology, the majority of katsinas reside approximately 60 miles west of Hopiland.   Each year, throughout the period from winter solstice to mid-July, these spirits, in the form of katsinas, come down to the villages to dance and sing, to bring rain for the upcoming harvest, and to give gifts to the children.
The katsinas are known to be the spirits of deities, natural elements or animals, or the deceased ancestors of the Hopi. Prior to each katsina ceremony, the men of the village will spend days studiously making figures in the likeness of the katsinam represented in that particular ceremony. The figures are then passed on to the daughters of the village by the Giver Kachina during the ceremony. Following the ceremony, the figures are hung on the walls of the pueblo and are meant to be studied in order to learn the characteristics of that certain Kachina. Most Hopi manufacturers today that sell dolls do it for trade and do not necessarily make dolls that reflect authentic kachinam. Kachina ceremonies are still held, but have to now be scheduled around the men’s jobs, schools, and businesses and are usually held on weekends. The dolls today are much more exquisite than those of the past and are very expensive. Women carvers are becoming more common, making miniature dolls that are especially popular in the trade."

A few modern Katsina  dolls for sale

 Another area in which the Hopi excel is in the weaving of baskets.  Traditionally functional,  the exquisite Hopi baskets are now items which are sought after by collectors.

Hopi baskets retailing for thousands of dollars at the Cameron Trading Post, Cameron, AZ

 

Silversmiting and jewelry making is an art form which has different special techniques.  most common among the Hopi is a techniques called "overlay".  Few if any stones are used and the items feature traditional symbols etched into the piece.

Here is an example of an artist's work in progress.   On the right, you can see several bear charms, one of which is now mine!   The artist's name is Louie Josytewa.  For those of you who are aware that I am on a quest to see a bear, well, I now a wee one to call my own.