Collection: Hopi

Hopi (Hopituh Shi-nu-mu)

The Hopi reservation is located in northeastern Arizona, an area they have inhabited since the 12th century. The Hopi live on top of and around three steep mesas in the desert highlands of northern Arizona. One of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in North America is Old Oraibi, established around 1050 A.D on what is now known as Third Mesa. For hundreds of years the Hopi have raised corn, beans, squash, melons and other crops in this arid region. Today they continue to practice ancient crafts practiced by their ancestors, including katsina carving, basketry, weaving and pottery. Hopi potters are perhaps best known for their exquisite yellowware pioneered by legendary Hopi potter Nampeyo, though today potters create vessels in a variety of styles both traditional and contemporary. The Hopi are also renowned for their handmade baskets created through the wicker, plaiting or coiling methods. Since the late 19th century, the Hopi have also become master silversmiths, developing a beautiful style of silver jewelry called overlay. Hopi jewelers led the contemporary jewelry movement that began in the 1960s and 70s, and today Hopi artists continue to be known for breathtaking innovation in their fine art, wood carvings and jewelry.