Some things to know about Hopi

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Villages

oraibil-village-1899The Hopi population on Hopi land is just under 10,000, occupying 2,439 sq. miles, according to the 1990 U.S. Census. There are approximately 7000 more Hopi people living elsewhere around the world. The Hopi have 12 villages located in three regions: First Mesa, Second Mesa and Third Mesa. While language, customs and traditions are similar, each village conducts its own ceremonies and has features that are unique from others.

Hopi are a matrilineal society organized by clanships. Clan membership establishes a person’s station and responsibility to the Hopi society. Clan relationships are more significant than blood relationships to the Hopi.  As with blood relations, there are certain restricted interrelationships among the clans.

First Mesa consolidates the towns of Walpi, Sichomovi and Tewa. Walpi, the oldest and most historic has been continuously inhabited for more than 1100 years dating back to 900 A.D. Walpi stands above the valley at 300 feet, surrounded by awesome vistas of the sky and distant horizons.

After the revolt against the Spanish in 1680, the two other villages were established on First Mesa. The people of Walpi settled Sichomovi village. Hano was originally settled by a group known as the Hano people, who abandoned the site, which was resettled by the Tewa who came from New Mexico.

Unlike the other villages, Walpi to this day does not have running water or electricity.  Residents must walk to Sichomovi to wash and get water.

Today, the three villages are governed by the traditional form of governance, which the Kikmongwi sits as head. Assisting the Kikmongwi are traditional leaders of various religious societies.640px-ANCIENT_HOPI_VILLAGE_OF_WOLPI._THE_HOPI_RESERVATION_OCCUPIES_THE_CENTER_OF_THE_MUCH_LARGER_RESERVATION_OF_-_NARA_-_544421

Second Mesa includes the three villages of Shungopavi, Mishongovi and Sipaulovi. Over a thousand years ago, Hopi clans began to arrive at this location. According to Hopi tradition, Shungopavi is one of the first Hopi villages established on Second Mesa.

Shungopovi and Mishongovi villages were originally located below the mesa edges close to their springs. After their involvement in the Pueblo Revolt, the villages moved to a more defensive location on the mesa tops.

Third Mesa is home to the villages of Kykotsmovi, Old Oraibi, Hotevilla and Bacavi. Forty-five miles to the west near Tuba City, is the Hopi village of Moenkopi.

Old Oraibi dates back to 1150 and is probably the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. In 1900, it was ranked as one of the largest Hopi settlements, but dissension between two chiefs caused many to leave. Kykotsmovi and Hotevilla were founded in 1906 after the split from Old Oraibi. Bacavi is the newest of all the villages and was settled in 1909 after tensions became unbearable for a Hopi loyalist who left Old Oraibi to settle at a new site. 

The Upper Village of Moenkopi is located at the western gateway to Hopi adjacent to the Navajo community of Tuba City.  Chief Tuuvi of Oraibi founded Moenkopi in the 1870’s as a summer farming area, irrigated from nearby springs. Moenkopi is divided into two sections, Upper Moenkopi and Lower Moenkopi.

The Villages of the Hopi are all living villages and ask that out of respect to their culture and privacy visitors do not photograph, video tape, explore in non-designated areas, pick up loose feathers, or use alcohol, drugs, and firearms. Some social ceremonies are open to the public. When visitors enjoy these ceremonies it is asked that they wear appropriate dress and do not discuss the ceremony. To learn more about visiting the villages please click here.  

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Time Zone on the Hopi Reservation?

A: The Hopi Tribal lands are located inside the Navajo Nation. The Hopi villages are on Arizona time and the Navajo Nation is on Mountain Time. Arizona does not participate in daylight savings. During daylight savings, the Navajo Nation is one hour later than Hopi and Arizona. In non-daylight savings months Hopi, Arizona, and the Navajo Nation are on the same time. The Navajo community of Tuba City is situated across the roadway from the Legacy Inn that is in the Upper Village of Moenkopi.

Q: Can I drive on the Hopi reservation?
A: Yes, Arizona state highway 264 connects the villages from the western gateway community of Moenkopi to the First Mesa Villages. All of the villages are accessible in private vehicles. However, the best way to experience the villages is on an escorted tour with a certified Hopi Guide who will share the cultural background of the villages and the people. An authorized guide can also take you to restricted areas that are not open to private vehicles.

Q: Can I hike on Hopi land? 
A: No, you cannot hike on Hopi land without a certified Hopi Guide.

Q: How far in advance do I have to schedule a guided tour? 
A: Tours are usually available for booking on the morning that you intend to tour, however, advance reservations are recommended for full day tours.

Q: What are the average temperatures on the Hopi reservation?

A:

Average Monthly Temperature (F)
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
HIGH 42 50 59 68 78 90
LOW 26 30 37 43 52 62
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
HIGH 95 92 84 70 54 43
LOW 69 67 59 47 35 27

Q: What is the elevation of the Hopi villages?
A: The elevation in the Legacy Inn in the Upper Village of Moenkopi is approximately 4,940 feet (1,506 meters).

Q: What are the GPS Coordinates for the hotel?
A: 35.932403, -111.3798928

Q: What is the hotel check-in time?
A: 4:00 p.m. mountain standard time. Check out time is 11 a.m.

Q: Are there rules for visiting the Hopi Villages?
A: Whether you visit during a feast day or take a guided tour, visiting a Hopi village is a unique and memorable experience. The villages are very interesting to see because much of the architecture is hundreds of years old. It is important to remember that these are living villages and when you enter the village you are stepping into someone’s home. Be sure to observe posted regulations; you are subject to the tribal laws:

*Villages are open to the public during some festivals and feast days.

*It is polite to accept invitations to eat, even if you eat or drink only a little.

*Alcohol is not allowed on Hopi or Navajo Tribal lands. Tribal law prohibits consumption.

*Pets are not allowed when touring Hopi land.

*Removal of pottery shards or rocks are prohibited.

*If photos are allowed, purchase a camera permit.

*Sacred kivas (underground ceremonial chambers) and graveyards are off-limits.

*Please enter a home by invitation only.

*Public restrooms are not available.

*Dances are religious ceremonies; please refrain from clapping or taking pictures.

Contact the Legacy Inn about observance of guidelines for visiting the villages and to schedule a guided tour.

Tuuvi Travel Center

tuuvi-center

The TUUVI Travel Center is located at the junction of US Highway 160 and State Route 264 across the street from the hotel.  The Travel Center is named after TUUVI, a prominent Hopi man from the Village of Moenkopi. The neighboring Navajo community of Tuba City also derived its named from this Hopi leader.  The Travel Center offers a gas station, a complete convenience store, discount cigarettes, food for travelers on-the-go, and a locally owned and operated store that features authentic Native American handmade merchandise.

Map and Directions

Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites
Junction 160 & 264
PO Box 2260
Tuba City, AZ 86045

 

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