Bill Weir, Rain Clouds, Snakes, Feathers, and Other Sacred Symbols Appear in This Hopi Indian Painting inside Desert View Watchtower.
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Creation StoryHopi clans are tied together by the mother. The reason for this is because of the nature of their creation story. The Hopi creation story implies that the earth is a mother and that humans emerged from her womb. This meaning, the Hopis believe, by tradition of their creation story, that they emerged from below the earth. This is an important part of their culture, the belief that they came directly out of the earth. It explains their connection to their original tribal site and their connection to parts of their land for religious purposes.
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Religious Terms of the Hopi
Masauwu
This is the spirit whom the Hopi pray to mostly. Masauwu is the one in control of the surface of the earth (harvests) and his power extends to the underworld.
The Spider Woman (earth goddess)
She is a large part of Hopi mythology, the one who weaves everything together. She is the spouse of the Sun.
Kachinas
Kachinas are a huge part of Hopi religion, because they are the spirits of Hopi ancestors. This is why many Hopi ceremonies involve the representation of the Kachinas, visually and through dance. Kachina dolls are also a big part of Hopi art and crafts. With the old age of the Hopi religion, it is understandable that Kachinas would be really important to the Hopi people.
(Lockett, 1933)
This is the spirit whom the Hopi pray to mostly. Masauwu is the one in control of the surface of the earth (harvests) and his power extends to the underworld.
The Spider Woman (earth goddess)
She is a large part of Hopi mythology, the one who weaves everything together. She is the spouse of the Sun.
Kachinas
Kachinas are a huge part of Hopi religion, because they are the spirits of Hopi ancestors. This is why many Hopi ceremonies involve the representation of the Kachinas, visually and through dance. Kachina dolls are also a big part of Hopi art and crafts. With the old age of the Hopi religion, it is understandable that Kachinas would be really important to the Hopi people.
(Lockett, 1933)
Traditions |
Hopi culture has become threatened by the domination of White American culture and religion over time. The struggle is to figure out which traditions they hold very close and which traditions they decide to transform. It has been accepted by the Hopi Indians that things will change, but that does not mean that there is no sorrow and regret. They hold on tight to the memories and traditions that remain today.
It would almost be necessary to not even include a section on religion, because everything that the Hopis do, from working to crafting is a religious action. This is their tradition. Their harvest and fruitfulness relies on their prayer. When famine happens, it is man's lack of faith and loss of touch with religion that causes it, not simply dry weather. This is largely why they live in the location that they do. Their tradition of living in a dry and lifeless land places importance on their belief system. |
RitualsTwill Sifter Basket, Chimerica, Cheryl
Hooker's Sweet Indian Corn Organic, Unknown
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Basket Weaving
The rituals of the Hopi are embedded into their lives, along with the work they do, and the religion they practice. They are all inseparable and are constantly playing a role in their lives. An example of the practicality of their rituals, is the weaving of baskets (or any weaving process). The Hopi Indian tradition says that Spider Woman did and has always "woven" together life and time. Spider Woman holds their lives and all things together in a mythical and existential sense. Today, this ritual of weaving baskets is so important, because it reflects the timelessness of the Spider Woman and the role that has always been played by her. In this case, we can see how the tasks the Hopi do are often sacred and symbolic. The intricate designs of the baskets often reflect an image of the patterns that hold life together. (Loften, 1993) Agriculture Another example of a ritualistic, yet practical and necessary action of the Hopi is the planting of corn in their dry, seemingly-lifeless land. This is a religious thing in the sense that it represents the choice they have made to be humble and hardworking people, ignoring all odds. They especially consider the blue corn to be most religious, because it is durable, and tough. This is a major symbol in their life, but, again, it is a practical ritual part of their lives and culture. |
The Role of The Kivas
A kiva is where the Hopi go to do some of their most important prayers. These prayers affect the success of their harvest, and in return, well being. It is understood among them that any bad feelings brought into the kiva, by any man, can disrupt the effectiveness of the prayer session. There are many ascetics that are involved in the kiva, such as prayer sticks, breath feathers, cornmeal, and ritual smoke. Along with these factors, breathing and focusing are needed for participation. Again, any feelings of greed or arrogance cannot exist in order for the Hopi Indians to embody their faith in the kiva.
El Kiva, Brenda Mair/Laguna Pueblo, Tony Hillerman/Blue Corn Meal, Emma Christensen
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