The Hopi People
The Hopi people are one of the most ancient of Native American peoples, with their history stretching back thousands of years. Today, they are a distinct ethnic group inhabiting the northeastern corner of Arizona near the border with New Mexico and Utah.
The Principle of Giving
The most important aspect of the Hopi way of life is a belief in the principle of giving (maqa). This concept is at the heart of the Hopi worldview and social compact. It binds the individual and group to each other and to the spiritual realm, and it is based on kinship and gender.
The Relationship with the Land
Since the earliest times, the Hopi have maintained an intimate and enduring relationship with their land. They have adapted to their arid environment and their peaceful, reclusive way of life.
Their lands, in northeastern Arizona, consist of mesas that run down from the Colorado Plateau. The highlands are home to juniper and pinyon pine forests, while the lower areas are covered by desert vegetation. The Hopi have been farming this high and dry landscape since the 12th century, using a technique called "dry farming."
A unique feature of their agriculture is that they plant corn and beans in fields that are not plowed. Instead, they place wind breakers in their fields at specific intervals to retain soil and moisture, and they have also perfected techniques for planting seeds in arid landscapes.
Art and Craftsmanship
In addition to their agricultural practices, the Hopi are famous for their art and craftsmanship. They are experts in carving Kachina dolls, crafting earthenware pottery and creating fine jewelry, including sterling silver.
Spiritual Beliefs
Another characteristic of the Hopi people is that they believe in a single spiritual source. This is referred to as Maasaw or Maasala, which means "the Caretaker of the Earth." According to this belief, Maasaw provides everything needed for survival, including water, food and a safe environment for living.
The Hopi are also renowned for their traditional ceremonies, which date back hundreds of years and are held for the benefit of all humans. These ceremonies are designed to bring good luck to the entire community and help them maintain their relationship with Maasaw.
The Oldest Continuously Occupied Settlement
While most other Native Americans migrated west, the Hopi remained in their southwestern location. Their village of Oraibi is considered the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the United States.
They are a very small population, but they are incredibly skilled in their craft. Their intricately woven rugs, ceramics and sculpture tell an incredible story about their ancestry and history.
A Culture of Peace
Their culture and religion is rooted in the tradition of awe, reverence, peace with nature and a desire to live in accordance with Maasaw's instructions. The Hopi are regarded as the most peaceful people in the world and have lived for thousands of years in their high and arid desert region without war or conflict.
This peacefulness is a result of their belief in Maasaw, and their reliance on his guidance. Their philosophy of peace with nature and respect for the spirit world is reflected in their beliefs in maqa and sumi'nangwa, which mean "all together" and "mutual concern for each other."
Maintaining Culture and Traditions
Because of this unique combination of religious, intellectual and peaceful values, the Hopi were able to maintain their culture and traditions for centuries. This peacefulness was broken only when the Europeans made contact with them in the 16th century.
