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

 "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. 

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. 

Celebrate the New Year with Hopi Art in your home!!

 

 

"Prayer for Good Life"
By: Dickson Silas

Look into this one of a kind art piece by Dickson Silas. Prayer is always a great thing no matter what you believe. We all have a higher being. Explore Hopi would like to wish you a prosperous New Year!! Check out our website: www.explorehopi.com and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ExploreHopi.


Also, its never too late to purchase your exclusive Hopi Products for the coming New Year!

 

 

Explore Hopi Travel Mug

ORDER YOURS TODAY @ www.explorehopi.com!!