Hopi

The Hopi Indians live in the Southwestern part of the United States, in the present day states of Arizona and New Mexico.

The land that they lived on was a low, flat desert with some high plateaus called mesas.

The climate was very dry, so dry that few trees grew there The climate was very dry, so dry that few trees grew there. It could get very hot in the daytime and very cold at night.

Even though it was difficult, the Hopi were farmers Even though it was difficult, the Hopi were farmers. They used irrigation to water their crops of beans, corn and squash.

They also raised sheep for meat and wool.

The Hopi had no method of transportation other than walking.

The built and lived in homes called pueblos The built and lived in homes called pueblos. Pueblos were made of adobe, which is a mixture of straw, clay and water. The doors to their pueblo was so high that you needed a ladder to get into the house!

The Hopi made their clothes from cotton and wool The Hopi made their clothes from cotton and wool. They were expert weavers.

They also made beautiful pottery.

The Hopi were also skilled at making jewelry The Hopi were also skilled at making jewelry. They used shells, beads, and a beautiful stone called turquoise. Later the Spanish taught them how to work with silver.

The Hopi were very religious and held special ceremonies in an underground circular room called a kiva.

They believed in over 300 different strong spirits that control nature called Kachinas. They carved Kachina dolls to teach their children the names and powers of the different spirits.