Hopi: Traditions and Life

Image via Joshua John Arens

The Hopi Way

The balance between nature and people is known as the Hopi Way. This concept plays a central role in every dimension and aspect of the Hopi member’s life. The central theme behind the Hopi Way consists of peace, goodwill, spiritual knowledge, adherence to religious practices and responsibility for the Earth. The Hopi Way maintains a sense of unity throughout the Hopi tribe, which is a result of how the bond between the Hopi members and society has stayed so close throughout many years and conflicts. The links to the thinglink express some of the dimensions of the Hopi Way. Religion, importance of land, artisans and division of labor, and social structure are crucial categories within the Hopi tribe. The primary source used in the link above directly coordinates with the importance of the land. Written by Don Monogye, the primary source is a valuable source of examples that prove that the land is sacred in the Hopi Tribe. The various other sources used in the links above touch on topics such as the Kachinas, the Hopi Way and arts and crafts traditions, and many others. The photograph, containing the links, is the Hopi tribe participating in one of their ceremonies affiliated with the Hopi Way. The ceremonies represent ceremonial and traditional responsibilities associated with the Hopi Way.  Before European influences and intrusion, the Hopi Way was a concept actively used and remembered throughout the tribe, and now, to this day, the notion of the Hopi Way still is present in the 21st Century Hopi Tribe. The dimensions covered in the thinglink are still categories present in the Hopi lives, as well. Generations and generations have come and gone since the start of the Hopi Way, but no conflict has come between the Hopi Tribe and its sacred traditions, known as the Hopi Way.