The Hopi Native Americans live in 12 traditional villages on a reservation in northern Arizona. Each village has its own government, rules, and clan. The reservation is divided into three areas called mesas, and there are 34 living clans. Cultural celebrations, such as religious ceremonies, are closed to the public. Visitors can purchase Native American-made crafts and take guided tours of Walpi village.
The Hopi Native Americans are a close-knit religious society who identify with their villages and clans. The Hopi Reservation is located in northern Arizona and occupies many acres in Navajo and Coconino counties. It is completely surrounded by the Navajo Indian Reservation and is bordered by the cities of Phoenix and Tucson. Founded in 1150, the settlement of Old Oraibi on the reservation is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States (USA).
There are 12 traditional villages home to approximately 10,000 tribal members on the Hopi reservation. The village of Walpi, also one of the oldest settlements in the United States, is known for its quaint high-rise homes. Each village has its own government, rules and clan.
All villages on the Hopi Reservation are divided into three areas called mesas. Walpi, founded in 1690, resides on First Mesa. These villages are known for their hand-rolled white pottery. Second Mesa is made up of three villages and is known for its talented silversmiths and rolled plaques. Old Oraibi is part of Third Mesa.
Within the Hopi Reservation, there are 34 living clans. Each clan traces its history through oral histories and is responsible for honoring clan-specific sacred objects. The position on the Hopi Reservation depends on which clan a member of the tribe belongs to. Some offices have to rotate between different clans. The Hopi cannot marry members of their own clan because they are all considered one family.
Cultural celebrations on the Hopi reservation, such as religious ceremonies, snake dances and flute ceremonies, are closed to the public. Some society balls, however, remain open to curious outsiders. Photographs, videos, audio recordings, notes and sketches are not permitted within the reservation.
Kachina ceremonies are performed by men wearing masks for the purpose of bringing rain to water the crops. The Hopi believe these ceremonies bring good health, happiness, and harmony to the universe. A snake dance involves tribe members handling venomous and non-venomous snakes during the ceremony, which lasts 16 days. Hopi men form pairs of dancers in which one carries the snake in its mouth while the other uses an eagle feather to distract the reptile. Serpents are believed to bring prayers for rain to the spirits of the underworld.
Many visitors head to the Hopi reservation to purchase Native American-made baskets, pottery, and silver jewelry. Guided tours of the Walpi village are also available. These tours inform visitors about the village’s history and local culture. The ceremonial halls, known as kivas and ruins, are off-limits to visitors.
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