Synopses & Reviews
A masterpiece of Pueblo Indian mythologynow in a restored, definitive edition In 1928, Edward Proctor Hunt, a Pueblo Indian man who was born in 1861 in the mesa-top village of Acoma, New Mexico and initiated into several secret societies only to later break with his peoples social and religious codes, recited his version of the origin myth of the Acoma Indians to Smithsonian Institution scholars. Hailed by many as the most accessible of all epic narratives recounting a classic Pueblo Indian story of creation, migration, and ultimate residence, the myth offers a unique window into Pueblo Indian cosmology and ancient history, revealing how a pre-modern society answered key existential questions and formed its customs. In this new edition, Peter Nabokov renders this important document into a clear sequence, adds excerpted material from the original storytelling sessions, and provides an introduction to Acoma Pueblo and information on the unusual life of the myths narrator.
Synopsis
The secrets of the Hopi "road of life" revealed for the first time in written form In this strange and wonderful book, thirty elders of the ancient Hopi tribe of Northern Arizona--a people who regard themselves as the first inhabitants of America--freely reveal the Hopi worldview for the first time in written form. The Hopi kept this view a secret for countless centuries, and anthropologists have long struggled to understand it. Now they record their myths and legends, and the meaning of their religious rituals and ceremonies as a gift to future generations. Here is a reassertion of a rhythm of life we have disastrously tried to ignore and instincts we have tragically repressed, and a reminder that we must attune ourselves to the need for inner change if we are to avert a cataclysmic rupture between our minds and hearts.
Synopsis
In this unique collection, some thirty Hopi elders reveal for the first time in written form the Hopi world-view.
About the Author
Peter Nabokov is professor of American Indian Studies and World Arts and Cultures at UCLA. His previous books include A Forest of Time, Native American Testimony, Native American Architecture (with Robert Easton), Indian Running, Two Leggings: The Making of a Crow Warrior, and Architecture of Acoma Pueblo. Peter Nabokov is professor of American Indian Studies and World Arts and Cultures at UCLA. His previous books include A Forest of Time, Native American Testimony, Native American Architecture (with Robert Easton), Indian Running, Two Leggings: The Making of a Crow Warrior, and Architecture of Acoma Pueblo. Peter Nabokov is professor of American Indian Studies and World Arts and Cultures at UCLA. His previous books include A Forest of Time, Native American Testimony, Native American Architecture (with Robert Easton), Indian Running, Two Leggings: The Making of a Crow Warrior, and Architecture of Acoma Pueblo.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Frederick H. Howell
Introduction
Part One. The Myths: Creation of the Four Worlds
1. Tokpela: The First World
2. Tokpa: The Second World
3. Kuskurza: The Third World
4. Túwaqachi: The Fourth World
5. Commentary: The Symbol of the Emergence
Part Two. The Legends: Migrations of the Clans
1. The Four Migrations
2. North to the Back Door
3. The Badger and the Sacred Spruce
4. Migrations of the Bird Clans
5. Wénima and the Short Rainbow
6. The Mysterious Red City of the South
7. The Journey of the Twins
8. The Snake and Lizard Clans
9. The Bow and Arrowshaft Clans
10. The Coyote-Swallow Race at Sikyatki
11. The Ancient Record
12. The Founding of Oraibi
13. Commentary: The Hopi Clan
Part Three. The Mystery Plays: The Ceremonial Cycle
1. Elemental Symbols
2. Wúwuchim
3. Soyál
4. The Kachina Night Dances
5. Powamu
6. The Road of Life
7. Niman Kachina
8. The Flute Ceremony
9. The Snake-Antelope Ceremony
10. Lakón, Márawu, and Owaqlt
11. The Ya Ya Ceremony
Part Four. The History: The Lost White Brother
1. The Coming of the Castillas
2. The Destruction of Awatovi
3. Arrival of the Americans
4. Westward March of Empire
5. The Betrayal of Lololma
6. A Test of Prophecy
7. The Split at Oraibi
8. The Imprisonment of Yukioma
9. The Indian Reorganization Act
10. The Flag Still Flies
11. Recommendations and Prophecies
Hopi Alphabet
Glossary