Aboriginal culture attracts tourists to U.S. southwest

United States

Guide to Indian Country Page 26

Incredible scenery and unique cultural experiences await visitors to

the Four Corners region of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.

Multi-colored sandstone formations soar above the desert floor. Walled

canyons--some over 300 m deep--hide the ruins of ancient civilizations.

Here a score of Native American tribes now flourish, living a lifestyle

which combines modern ways with remnants of the ancient cultures out of

which the people grew.

Among the tourist attractions of the Four Corners area are national

parks, featuring prehistoric ruins, the Grand Canyon, dozens of state

parks, museums, and cultural centers. In addition, several tribes run

their own tourist developments.

One of the more interesting of these, located about 400 km northeast of

Phoenix, Arizona, is run by the Hopi Tribal Council. The heart of the

reservation, economically, politically and spiritually, are three steep,

almost flat-topped plateaus known as the First, Second and Third Mesas.

The cultural center is located on the Second Mesa, but the highlight of

the visit is a trip to the old pueblos at Walpi, high atop First Mesa.

The Hopi ancestors originally farmed in the foothills, but in the late

17th century, they abandoned those villages for their sandstone cliff

dwellings (pueblos) at the top of the mesas. These dwellings provided a

defence against Spanish invasion. Terraced into the narrow rock tables,

these cliff-edged houses still appear as they did centuries ago.

Today, a paved road leads to the top of the mesas, but in the old days,

the mesa pueblos were accessible only by hidden trails and wooden

ladders, which could be pulled up in case of enemy attack. Hopi

interpretive guides take visitors to the restored pueblos. (There is no

fee, but a small donation is appreciated.)

Hopi artisans offer their Kachina dolls, pottery and jewelry for sale

at the Ponsi Visitor Center and along the trail to the pueblo.

If you time your visit correctly, visitors can also observe Hopi

ceremonial dances, usually held at least once a month during the summer.

For information on the Hopi Villages, phone (602)734-2441 or write the

Tribal Council at Box 123, Kyakotsmovi, Arizona 86039.