Book of the Hopi [Paperback]

Frank Waters (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 30, 1977

In this unique collection, some thirty Hopi elders reveal for the first time in written form the Hopi world-view.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books (June 30, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140045279
• ISBN-13: 978-0140045277
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > History > World > Religious > Ethnic & Tribal
  • #11 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Mythology & Folk Tales > Folklore
  • #22 in Books > Literature & Fiction > United States > Native American

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 80 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps the Most Complete Compendium of Hopi Information November 20, 2001

By Cynthia Sue Larson TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

Frank Waters' excellent BOOK OF THE HOPI is probably the most complete collection of Hopi stories, language, rituals, and photographs in one place. Waters wrote this book with assistance from thirty-two Hopi elders back in 1963. Much time has passed since then, and while the way of the Hopi remains mostly unchanged, access to their sacred ceremonies and rituals has been greatly reduced in the last several decades.

While BOOK OF THE HOPI was written through the eyes and ears of an outsider, it contains much of the spirit of the Hopi, and countless fascinating insights. One such example is the explanation of how one sacred ceremony (the Ya Ya) was profaned and is no longer performed, since much of its powers were taken for evil. "When you receive a wonderful power and use it for evil you lose the power. You have to use it for good to keep it."

I love the richness of information contained in this little book: symbols, the tablets of the clans, a glossary of Hopi words, thrilling tales about the creation of the worlds, and detailed descriptions of sacred objects such as the Paho (prayer-feather). This attention to detail is marvelous, but it's the heart of BOOK OF THE HOPI that makes me feel at home with the Hopi and at one with their spirit.

I give this book my highest recommendation.

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Hopi book. July 16, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

*** Michael Johnson ***

Ever since my first visit to the mesas I have wanted to
know more about the Hopi people, their culture and their
beliefs. On of the best books I have found (coming from a
non-Hopi) is "Book of the Hopi" by Frank Waters and
published by Penguin Books, 1963. This book covers the
origin of the Hopi, the four migrations, the origin of the
clans, ceremonies etc. It is a book for anyone interested
in learning more about the Hopi people. Thought you might
wish to include it in your book list.

39 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I found the section on Prayer Feathers very interesting. July 16, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Chapter 2 - North to the Back Door (pp. 37-38)

Hay-ya, hay-ya, mel-lo ...
So the people began their migrations, climbing up a high mountain. They were accompanied by two insect people resembling the katydid or locust, the máhu [insect which has the heat power]. On top they met a great bird, the eagle. One of the máhus, acting as a spokesman for the people, asked the eagle, "Have you been living here very long?"
"Yes," replied the eagle, "since the creation of this Fourth world."
"We have traveled a long way to reach this new land," said the máhu. "Will you permit us to live here with you?"
"Perhaps," answered the eagle. "But I must test you first." Drawing out one of his arrows he was holding in his claws, he ordered the two máhus to step closer. To one he said, "I am going to poke this arrow into your eyes. If you do not close them, you and all the people who follow you may remain here."
Whereupon he poked the point of the arrow so close to the máhu's eye it almost touched, but the máhu did not blink. "You are a people of great strength," observed the eagle. "But the second test is much harder and I don't believe you will pass it."
"We are ready for the second test," said the two máhus.
The eagle pulled out a bow, cocked an arrow, and shot the first máhu through the body. The máhu, with the arrow sticking out one side of him, lifted the flute he had brought with him and began to play a sweet and tender melody. "Well!" said the eagle. "You have more power than I thought!" So he shot the other máhu with a second arrow.
The two máhus, both pierced with arrows, played their flutes still more tenderly and sweetly, producing a soothing vibration and an uplift of spirit which healed their pierced bodies.
The eagle, of course, then gave the people permission to occupy the land, saying, "Now that you have stood both tests you may use my feather any time you want to talk to our Father Sun, the Creator, and I will deliver your message because I am the conqueror of air and master of height. I am the only one who has the power of space above, for I represent the loftiness of the spirit and can deliver your prayers to the Creator."
Ever since then the people have used the feathers of an eagle for their prayer-feathers or páhos, and sing to a sick child, knowing that the sweet power of music will help to heal him.