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The Hopi of the Southwest Atop three high mesas in northern Arizona, Hopi sandstone villages merge seamlessly into their rocky foundations. Others of the twelve Hopi villages sit below on the valley floor. Here are some of the oldest continuously occupied villages in North America. Rainfall is scant, vegetation sparse, and seasonal temperatures fluctuate widely, yet the Hopi people have chosen to farm in this inhospitable environment.
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Corn has sustained the Hopi people throughout their history, just as it
sustains them throughout their lives. It is the
first solid food fed to infants and sustains the spirits
of the deceased as they journey into another world.
Part of the Hopi origin story recalls the time of emergence from a
previous world. Those who emerged were invited to choose from a
number of ears of corn. Some ears were large and hearty, indicating
a life of bounty and prosperity. Some were short, indicating that
life would not be easy, but overcoming hardships would make the
people strong. Hopis chose to live the life of the short ear of corn.
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