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!