HOPI INSIGHT AND PERSPECTIVE OF OUR ANCESTORS....
                           An excerpt by Lyle Balenquah on "Hisatsinom": The Ancient People

 

 

 

Hopi concepts of our ancestral history are both complex and varying. This is because each Hopi clan has its own understanding of their ancestral movements across the southwest and beyond. Not all clans moved in the same directions, at the same time, or with the same groups. As one Hopi cultural advisor, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained "..migration routes can be confusing because sometimes the ancestors started somewhere and then went in a circle and came back to where they started". In addition, the specific cultural groups assigned to Hopi ancestors by archaeologists (Anasazi, Sinagua, Hohokam, Mogollon, Salado, Fremont, etc) are considered arbitrary within a Hopi perspective of the past. Rather than viewing them as neatly defined cultures with specific territorial boundaries, Hopi people view their ancestors as being much more dynamic and fluid, with numerous clans, comprising the ancestral populations found throughout the southwest.
Unlike archaeological cultural designations that confine a group to a certain area and assign them to a specific time period,"prehistoric", the Hopi concept of our ancestors does not imply that type of finality to their existence or presence. Hopi concepts of our ancestors evoke a connection that extends to the present. And unlike the science of archaeology, which is largely focused solely on the material objects and features left behind by Hopi ancestors, Hopi understanding of our past have the added dimension of a continual connection to spiritual aspects which are embedded within the material culture. The material found at these sites are reminders and reflections of who we once were and what we have now become. We are reminded that in order for the present generations of Hopi to flourish and prosper, we are dependent upon gifts of our departed ancestors. These sites hold spirits that live and thrive. They play essential roles in ceremonies that bring rain, fertility, and other blessings for the Hopi people and those throughout the world. Meanings of the past is what it contributes to life in the present. This understanding provides a continual connection with our identity and ancestors.

                                                             Hopi June- "Wuku'uyis"

 

June is an important time for all plant life, most importantly corn. Along with the blessings of rain through Kachina dances, song, and prayer for growth and maturity. Kastinam grace the villages with their presence to aid in the prayers for moisture and rain for walks of life. Men are hard at work tending to their fields while praying for a bountiful harvest.

Hopi Calendar- Month of May "Hakitonmuya"

A time for planting beans and other vine crops such as pumpkin, watermelon, and gourds. The word "Haki" means wait, to wait for warmer weather before the fields are planted with corn.
Men and women get involved this time of the season. Men are at the fields preparing to plant corn of all colors. Women are at home making use of the corn they had from the previous crop and making room for the new crop yet to come. Some uses for the corn that the men harvest is mainly for food as well as ceremonial purposes.

Explore Hopi Gallery Opening A Success

 

On April 30,2014 Explore Hopi hosted their first gallery opening in Sedona, Arizona at the Days Inn Kokopelli. An elegant event that showcased the Explore Hopi consignment art crafted by Hopi artists Garrett Honahnie, Dickson Silas, and Frank Honahnie Jr.

The consignment art consisted of katsina dolls, paintings, and key holders that are currently up for sale. The event began with the Hopi Vice Chairman, Alfred Lomaquahu, giving a welcome statement and prayer followed by the introduction of the Explore Hopi staff and ribbon cutting. 

An  attendance of 30 people throughout the evening, catered food and wine, dance performances by Miss Hopi, Nikki Qumyintewa, and First Attendant, Lori Honyaoma, and lastly a lecture by Lyle Balenquah. This successful evening concluded with a couple from Norway purchasing two paintings, “Protecting the Earth” and “Prayer for Good Life”, both by artist Dickson Silas. The Explore Hopi staff was very pleased with the outcome of the event that shed light on Hopi artists and the Explore Hopi program. Asquali/Kwa-kway!

 

"Protecting the Earth"
Dickson Silas

"Prayer for Good Life"
Dickson Silas

 

HOPI CALENDAR

 "KWIYA.MUYA"- WIND BREAK MOON

 

Around this time, racer kastinas come to the village plaza to challenge men and boys to footraces. The men and boys take turns racing the kastinas across the plaza. Losing to a Runner katsina generally results in an unpleasant consequences, such as being doused with water or an unstylish haircut. However, whether his opponent wins or loses, the Racer katsina always gives him a gift of food. As with all Hopi ceremonies, the Racer katsinas depart with a message and prayer for rain.

 In addition to this season called Kwiyamuya, fruit trees begin to bud, some peach trees are in blossom, and weeds begin to appear in the corn fields. This is time to prepare and plant gardens and fields with various crops, especially early corn. The men also construct "kwiya", which are windbreaks to protect the seedlings, hence the name for this month.

 

Here's your chance to see some great artwork and beautiful landscape in Sedona, Arizona. Explore Hopi and Days Inn Kokopelli invite you to our Art Gallery Opening, April 30,2014.

 

 

Insight: Hopi Teachings, History, and Identity…

 

                                                                
                    

            Knowledge, lessons, and messages are all encoded in Hopi Storytelling.  Understanding and meaning deepen as this is the strength of passing on Hopi traditional knowledge..to convey a deeper truth. Hopi knowledge is so much more that the simple retelling events, names, places, and time, but to serve a purpose.  Elders knew that change was coming and to preserve tradition and values, storytelling and active participation is the tool to prepare for life today. We as a people strive to bring such teachings and instill values to the attention of the youth. Sense of purpose is one of the key components to Hopi survival. Hopi is a way of life and through this life we learn where we come from, our responsibilities, learn and speak the language, cultural and religious practices, and clan histories. We all have a part in making things different. Although negatives things have happened and continue to happen, we must learn from it and contribute positively. Hopi oral history is what set us apart from the rest and defines us. The life is a hard life, but a good life!   

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!

Explore Hopi would like to invite you to come experience and explore art. Variety of art forms expressed by talented artists. Each is unique and carries their own story. For more information you may call our office at (928) 734-0044 or email hhonani@explorehopi.com.

 

 

An art form that is both personal and educational....Hopi Quilting

Hopi Resource Enforcement Services
Paaqavi Inc.
 

Quilting is just one of many outlets for Hopi women to express their creativity that involves cultural concepts and daily life. The Paacavi Inc strives to revive and preserve this unique art form for the Hopi women. The annual Quilt Show in Paacavi Village is one avenue of showcasing the quilter talents and  educating on the art form of quilting, while bringing in revenue for the quilters themselves. The quilters gather to focus on one main idea for a quilt then collaborate and dedicate their time to making this project come alive to exhibit for all to see. This grant funded project serves to support these amazing Hopi quilters to use the highest quality fabric and tools, while holding classes to teach new techniques to enhance the already talented quilters.
The annual Quilt Show is set to take place on March 28th-29th,2014 in Paacavi Village. For more information on this unique project and to learn more you may visit the Paacavi Inc website at: http://paaqaviinc.wordpress.com/.

HOPI CALENDAR: March- "Osom'muya"

 

Artwork by: Dickson Silas
"Prayer for Good Life"

As the planting season nears for the Hopi, the month of March is a time for continued prayers through kachina songs and dancing. During this time, the Hopi villages have night dances that take place in the kivas, which are underground ceremonial chambers. Kachinas come bearing gifts of food and seeds. Their songs are prayers carried out in hopes of a fruitful planting season for all. The dancing creates a harmonious atmosphere for all life forms and to bring rain for nourishment.

 

The photo featured is available for purchase through our consignment page on the Explore Hopi website at: www.explorehopi.com.

A script from Hopi history: Louis Tewanima

Louis Tewanima
louistewanima.org

Running is an ongoing tradition for Hopi and is an essential component in ceremonies that symbolize the prosperity of all living things on earth. Many traditional Hopi stories tell of different aspects of running, endurance, and strength of Hopi men and now women. Sharing the story of one Hopi man, Louis Tewanima, sheds another light on one of many positive moments in Hopi history that the Hopi people are proud of.

Louis Tewanima was from the village of Shungopavi, located on the Second Mesa. He was bearstrap clan, born and raised in Shungopavi village. He was one of many children that was forced to go to school in 1906. Seeing that Hopi was going through a difficult time where they constantly fought against the white mans ways, Louis was one that was against the white mans way of life. Eventually, Louis was sent to Carlisle, Pennsylvania for school. This is where Louis started running to keep from becoming lonely and missing home. Competition became apart of Louis's running and would often compete with Jim Thorpe, who also attended school in Carlisle. After competing in track meets and winning many races, Louis eventually made it to the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. During this time he won the silver medal in the 10,000 meter race and set a U.S record for his race. He held that record for 52 years, until it was broken by Billy Mills in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

In 1973, to honor Louis, an annual "Louis Tewanima Footrace" was started and is held in the village of Shungopavi, that still continues today. This committee is made of family members of Louis and they strive to keep the tradition of running and the memory of Louis alive amongst the Hopi community and visitors alike. 

EXPLORE HOPI FEATURES 2014 HOPI TOUR GUIDES : Cultural tourism a sensitive business on Hopi Explore Hopi tour guides find ways to share Hopi history and culture with visitors while preserving privacy and protecting sacred sites

From left: tour guide Lorna Joseph, Explore Hopi’s Hannah Honani, tour guide Gary Tso’s (not pictured) son Hunter Tso, tour guide Donald Dawahongnewa and tour guide Ronald Wadsworth stand on Second Mesa. The guides operate tours with promotional and marketing help from Explore Hopi. Ryan Williams/NHO Katherine Locke Reporter Navajo-Hopi Observer

SECOND MESA, Ariz. - The 2014 Explore Hopi Guides are ready to help people take a trip back in time to explore the centuries of Hopi history firsthand, in a way that is sensitive and respectful to the Hopi people.

The tour guides are independent, Hopi Tribe licensed business owners who partner with Explore Hopi. The Hopi Tribe Economic Development Corporation (HTEDC) sponsors Explore Hopi (www.explorehopi.com). The group hopes to provide guidance and training along with economic development opportunities that allow Hopi tribe members to prosper while preserving their homeland and culture. 

"We don't run tours out of here," explained Explore Hopi Director Clarice Tafoya. "We provide a cultural and educational experience for visitors to Hopi."

What Explore Hopi does do is much of the marketing and promotion for the guides. Because Explore Hopi operates out of the Visitor Center located at the Hopi Cultural Center on Second Mesa, it is the first place many people stop.

"We send the business to the guys. They run everything. They tell us how their business is and how we fit into that," Tofoya said. She added that Explore Hopi promotes the tour guides at events and art shows.

She said customers are matched with a guide who can give them the tour they want based on the guides' knowledge and expertise. 

"Each one of our guides has amazing knowledge about Hopi and all the different aspects on it," Tofoya said. "There is so much to see out here...there's a lot of history here."

Gary Tso has been in the tour guide business since 1998. He said that while he enjoys meeting all different kinds of people who each have their own reasons for wanting to come to Hopi, there is another more important reason he wanted to work with Explore Hopi.

"The contribution to the economy is also very, very important to me," he said. "As our clients come through and they spend money with the different artists... that is something I feel good about, that we're able to affect a certain amount of change within the villages at a person to person level and that is very important."

Kevin Lombardo, CEO of the HTEDC, said the tour guides are great. 

"The guides provide an array of rich cultural knowledge for visitors to Hopi. The way we set up Explore Hopi allows us to partner with independent business people to help expand the economy on Hopi for many including the guides, artists and businesses."

Tso pointed out that not everyone on Hopi benefits from the tour guide industry. And the people who don't benefit may not be in favor of tour guides bringing visitors into the 12 villages on Hopi.

"We're very fortunate that the villages that are open to visitation have let us know," he said. "Part of what we do is govern where people go. We don't go where visitors are not invited because we have to have the support of our people. If we make mistakes, which we do from time to time, then it makes us unpopular and unwanted. It is a complicated place." 

Tso's son, Hunter, answers the phone and takes care of the customers as they set up the initial tour.

"It's fun to interact with the different people and figure out what they want to know," Hunter said. "It's helping my dad out and he's wanting to me to start doing my own tours. It's something I want to try doing but I don't know if I am ready for that yet."

Donald Dawahongnewa started his tour business in February 2013. Before that he worked at the Hopi Cultural Preservation office. He said it is his background as a teacher and his ability to use humor to put people at ease that keeps tours coming back to him. 

He conducts his tours based on a horizontal calendar, both east and west, and some of the villages are points that are on the calendar so he tries to make sure that the villages are aware that the tour is coming.

"If they are doing a ceremony then I stay out of that village. I know where to draw the line," he said. 

Dawahongnewa said bringing the public to the craftsmen of Hopi is the most enjoyable aspect of the job.

"I like it," he said. "It has been rewarding."

Ronald Wadsworth is new to the touring business although he has been a spokesman for Hopi leadership for 25 years. He believes what makes him a good tour guide is his experience and knowledge of the Hopi culture.

"I haven't been on that many tours yet but I really enjoy sharing our tradition and things with the outside world," Wadsworth said. "The tours that I have been on, the villages have been really nice. When I do get stopped and asked what we are doing, I tell them we have visitors to our Hopi land and they share with me, 'you should take them to this site or to that site,' that's really a nice experience with other peoples." 

Lorna Joseph has recently begun guiding tours, too. She echoed the other guides in her enjoyment of meeting different people from all walks of life and sharing her own experience as a Hopi with them.

"We have a unique culture. A lot of people come out not knowing about our culture and we have a lot of sacred places and things to be respected," she said. "I like being a tour guide to let people know why those sites are important to us."

The Hopi Cultural Preservation Office decides where tour guides can take visitors and where visitors are not allowed. Illegal pirating - where cultural objects are removed from Hopi - has been a problem. Sometimes outsiders destroy sacred sites. At certain times of the year when ceremonies take place the guides do not enter certain villages. Tso explained that access to some sites is available by permit only and in order to obtain a permit, a business license is required that says the person is sanctioned to go to those sites by the tribe. Those permits can be day long or as long as a year, depending on the site.

"It is actually a very good system. It allows for protection of the site," Tso said, adding that the guides and the clients are sometimes the first line of defense for the sites. "While we don't have any power or authority to enforce any laws, our presence, in most cases, is enough to deter any alcohol consumption or vandalism of a certain site."

Tso also emphasized it is important for the Hopi to establish their cultural ties to these specific sites and to let people know that they are affiliated with the Hopi and not other cultures around them.

"That's very important because we've been here longer than anybody and that's very easy to say," Tso said. "That's always been a part of my mission, to establish that as a culture the sites that are around us, everyone has a certain amount of tie to. We come from these places."

He said based on a study done during the 1990s, Hopi is a destination place - people come specifically to visit Hopi. And with more people visiting every day and many companies offering tours, Tso sees the other tour guides as partners, not competition, in sharing the Hopi culture with the outside world. 

"This is a very deep culture and very, very complicated and the sophistication of it is what has always attracted people over time," Tso said. "It makes me proud. You talk about these things and people's minds are blown as to how deep this culture gets."

He believes having a guided tour is a good way to see Hopi not only because they offer an opportunity to see some sites that would otherwise not be available but because of the information the guides are able to offer.

"Explore Hopi and hire a guide," Tso said.

Article is courtesy of the Navajo/Hopi Observer Newspaper. Take a look at our website @ www.explorehopi.com to see what types of tour packages are available.

A page from Hopi history- Hopi Men and Alcatraz

 

Photo courtesy of Hopi Cultural Preservation Office
 

This story is one of those few talk about or don't have knowledge of. Reason being that it was yet another sad and trying time of the Hopi. Although this event is in the past, Hopi leave it there to move on and pray for better in fulfilling their life purpose of being earth stewards. History of Mormon pressures on the farming community of Moenkopi triggered the arrests of several Hopi men and sent to Alcatraz prison. In the late 1860's Mormons made their presence known in hopes of converting the Hopi into the Mormon faith. After gaining initial permission from Hopi to farm on a plot, the Mormon began to expand permanent establishments. By the 1870s and 1880s the Mormons slowly began taking over more farming areas. This began the friction between the Hopi farmers and Mormons. By the 1890s, the Hopi lost valuable farming land and their complaints to the government went unnoticed. Around this same time, a new village chief was ordained in the village of Orayvi. His name was Looloma of the bear clan. He was proactive in addressing these issues in Moenkopi and took matters into his own hands. Chief Looloma held a meeting with the clan leaders of Moenkopi village and told them that they had every rite to take back their traditional farm lands. Once this took place, the Mormons quickly confronted the Hopi farmers and sought out the  government for help. The government saw this opportunity to so call "teach Hopi a lesson", and soliticed the military from Ft. Wingate and Ft. Defiance. After discovering the "ring leaders" of the Hopi resistance, the military charged and took into custody Yukima and Lomahongniwa of Orayvi. Overall, nineteen men were charged with "seditious acts against the U.S, Government". This Alcatraz story exemplifies the treatment of the Hopi people by the U.S Government and the extent to which the Government used false and concocted charges to imprison Hopi men....men who only wanted to live their Hopi way of life. 

Hopi Calendar

February- "Powamuya"

 

Shalako
Artwork By: Frank Honahnie, Jr
Photo Taken By: Lyle Balenquah

The month of February serves as a time for purification and renewal for Hopi. The bean dance occurs at this time and is when the katsinam return and prepare for the upcoming planting season. Katsinam are the spiritual beings that represent all life forms of this universe. Hopi prayers are carried out by the katsinam in hope for rain, long strong life for all living things, and good crops. The katsinam appear bearing gifts for the children. The young girls receive dolls, or "tii'hu". These dolls resemble and serve as a reminder of katsinam to which each holds essential sentimental value. Young girls learn to take care of their dolls as a way of preparing them for motherhood.  The young boys receive bows and arrows so that they prepare and learn how to hunt. This is a beginning of the "kachina season", where they will make appearances through the months, up until July.

Photo is of Hopi consignment art by Frank Honahnie, Jr. This piece and two others are up for purchase on our Explore Hopi website at www.explorehopi.com.

Walpi Village- First Mesa
Photo courtesy of the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office

 

EXPLORE HOPI FEATURES TOUR PACKAGES JUST FOR YOU!

We would like to feature the Explore Hopi tour packages for our visitors. Our tour packages accommodate 2 people and include various night stays, tour options, vouchers, and meals. To get the upmost out of your visit to Hopi land, arts, and culture, we suggest you take a look at our Yellow Corn Package (Siikyang'pu Qa'o). This particular package offers a 4 night stay (2 nights at the Hopi Cultural Center and 2 nights in Sedona), Gas Voucher, Meal Voucher, an Explore Hopi Dinner, and a Full Day Tour on Hopi. The more time spent on Hopi, the more to capture a timeless experience with your mind, heart, and soul. We offer other options for tour packages, if your time is limited. For prices and other tour package options, please refer to our website at: www.explorehopi.com , or feel free to give us a call at (928) 734-0044.



 

Join Explore Hopi for the 2014 Tour Season

The Explore Hopi team is gearing up for the 2014 tour season. Along with that, we would like to feature some of the tour guides that we are collaborating with to provide a great experience for our visitors. We have Gary Tso, who is from the village of Shungopovi, he is well known on the Hopi Reservation for his unique tours and Hopi knowledge. Ronald Wadsworth and Donald Dawahongnewa, brothers from Shungopovi village, have varied knowledge on religion, culture, migrations, laws, and agriculture of Hopi. Lorna Joseph, who is also from the village of Shungopovi, has various knowledge of Hopi life from a female perspective. Lastly is Lyle Balenquah from the village of Bacavi, he conducts more hiking tours in the Grand Canyon and surrounding Hopi sites.
All of our guides are unique in their own right in regards to knowledge and background that they come from. Give yourself the opportunity to explore Hopi with one of our guides by booking your tour today. The Explore Hopi team will do their best to accommodate you to your needs and specific interests you seek about the Hopi people. There is plenty to capture with your heart and mind when visiting Hopi. Book your tour today by calling us at (928) 734-0044. For more information on merchandise up for sale, tour packages, and consignment art, please take a look at our website: www.explorehopi.com. We look forward to your visit and you are all welcome!

EXPLORE HOPI EDUCATIONAL SERIES

A time for new leaders....
 
 A new year means new beginnings, on Hopi, it is a time for new leadership to carry and represent the Hopi people. The Hopi Tribal Council is fairly new and has come against many obstacles. The Council came into existence in 1936. There have been a couple times where the Council has gone through reconstruction and came close to dissolving completely. Since then, they have taken another breath and continue to preserve and protect the Hopi people, while maintaining the balance of living in "two worlds". Thursday January 16, 2014 will be a day recognized by many. Its Hopi Inauguration day! We welcome Herman Honanie (Chairman) and Alfred Lomaquahu (Vice-Chairman), to sustain the Hopi people in the best way possible.  

 For more information on Hopi or for opportunities to explore Hopi, click here:           www.explorehopi.com

THE HOPI CALENDAR
The Hopi Calendar encompasses both katsina and non-katsina ceremonies that help to fulfill a Hopi year. Katsinas are the Hopi spiritual beings that represent all entities of this world and universe, from our ancestors to plants, animals, stars, and galaxies. When the time comes for the non-katsina cycle, this is when the Hopi people, men and women, that are initiated into certain societies perform their duties for everyone and everything on this earth. Our purpose as Hopi sinom (people), is to maintain balance and harmony with all living things in this world. Practicing and teaching compassion, reciprocity, earth stewardship, universal human hood, respect, and most of all a life based on humility, are all aspects that are addressed in our ceremonial calendar.


 Paa'muya- "Moisture Moon"
     This time of year is a time for winter social dances to celebrate life and preparation of the year ahead. Both young and old alike help to keep the Hopi tradition of dancing alive by holding these social dances in the kiisongvi, "plaza", for all to see.