HOPI BY:ISAIAHD 11/20/13

Since time immemorial the Hopi people have lived in Hopituskwa and have maintained our sacred covenant with Maasaw, the ancient caretaker of the earth, to live as peaceful and humble farmers respectful of the land and its resources. Over the centuries we have survived as a tribe, and to this day have managed to retain our culture, language and religion despite influences from the outside world.

GENERALLY, HOPI WOMEN WERE IN CHARGE OF THE HOME AND FAMILY. HOPI CLANS ARE MATRILINEAL, WHICH MEANS HOPI PEOPLE TRACE THEIR FAMILY THROUGH THEIR MOTHERS. HOPI MEN WERE IN CHARGE OF POLITICS, AGRICULTURE AND WAR. HOPI POLITICAL LEADERS AND WARRIORS WERE TRADITIONALLY ALWAYS MEN. BOTH GENDERS TOOK PART IN STORYTELLING, MUSIC AND ARTWORK, AND TRADITIONAL MEDICINE.

ORIGINALLY, HOPI MEN DIDN'T WEAR MUCH CLOTHING-- ONLY BREECHCLOTHS OR SHORT KILTS (MEN'S SKIRTS). HOPI WOMEN WORE KNEE-LENGTH COTTON DRESSES CALLED MANTAS. A MANTA FASTENED AT A WOMAN'S RIGHT SHOULDER, LEAVING HER LEFT SHOULDER BARE. MISSIONARIES DIDN'T THINK THIS DRESS STYLE WAS MODEST ENOUGH, SO IN THE 1900'S MANY HOPI WOMEN STARTED WEARING BLOUSES UNDERNEATH THEIR MANTAS. THIS STYLE IS STILL IN USE TODAY. MEN AND WOMEN BOTH WORE DEERSKIN MOCCASINS ON THEIR FEET. FOR DANCES AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS, WOMEN PAINTED THEIR MOCCASINS WHITE AND WRAPPED WHITE STRIPS OF DEERSKIN AROUND THEIR SHINS AS LEGGINGS. HERE IS A SITE WITH SKETCHES OF NAVAJO AND HOPI CLOTHING STYLES, AND SOME PHOTOS AND LINKS ABOUT INDIAN CLOTHING IN GENERAL.

The Hopis were expert farming people. They planted crops of corn, beans, and squash, as well as cotton and tobacco, and raised turkeys for their meat. Hopi men also hunted deer, antelope, and small game, while women gathered nuts, fruits, and herbs. Favorite Hopi meals to eat included hominy, baked beans, soups, and different types of cornbread. Here is a website with more information about Southwest Indian food.